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The Leader, Councillor Topping introduced report ES/2512 which related to Local Government Reorganisation. Councillor Topping outlined that the report had just been approved by Full Council.
The Leader thanked Members at Full Council for a respectful, interesting and full debate.
Councillor Ashton added that the majority voting in favour was consistent with what was agreed during Full Council discussions at previous meetings. The Councillor followed up on Councillor Reeves's comments in Full Council, in which he discussed the option for two unitaries being added in to the covering letter to government. Councillor Ashton stated that providing the view that, should government be minded not to accept a three unitary option, an encouragement to consider two might be beneficial.
Councillor Wilson echoed the comments made by Councillor Ashton.
Councillor Byatt also endorsed Councillor Ashton’s comments and endorsed adding a couple of lines to the covering letter which supported consideration to a two unitary model if three were not considered to be viable. Councillor Byatt also thanked members for the debate and officers for their work and support in preparing the Case for Change.
Councillor Daly stated it was a logical suggestion to put forward the option for two unitaries in the covering letter and it could alleviate some of the concerns raised by members.
The Leader thanked all members and thanked the senior leadership team and officers for their time and work on preparing for the Case for Change coming before Full Council and Cabinet.
On proposition of Councillor Topping, seconded by Councillor Daly it was unanimously
RESOLVED
In respect of the Government’s invitation to submit final proposals in respect of Local Government Reorganisation, Cabinet:
1. Noted the views of Council at its meeting on 24 September 2025;
2. Noted and approves the content of the draft Case for Change attached at Appendix A to this report;
3. Noted and approves the content of the draft Unmodified Submission to the Secretary of State attached at Appendix B to this report;
4. Authorised the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise and submit the Case for Change and Unmodified Submission to Government by its deadline of 26 September 2025; and
5. Agreed this decision by Cabinet is urgent in view of the Government’s 26 September 2025 deadline and that therefore the decision should not be subject to call in by Overview and Scrutiny Committee.