Background

This page summarises the actions leading to the decision to implement a single council for Shropshire.

A full time-line called 'The story of Shropshire Council' is attached to this page.

Pictured above are the representatives signing the proposal to government:
Front row left to right - Heather Kidd, Leader of South Shropshire District Council, Malcolm Pate, Leader of Shropshire County Council, Carolyn Downs, Chief Executive of Shropshire County Council, David Lloyd, Leader of Oswestry Borough Council and Paul Shevlin, Chief Executive of Oswestry Borough Council.
Back row left to right - Alan Mosley, Leader of Labour Group at Shropshire County Council, Peter Phillips, Leader of Liberal Democrat Group at Shropshire County Council, and Arthur Walpole, Chair of Oswestry Borough Council Scrutiny Committee.

26 October 2007 - Local Government white paper

On 26 October 2006 the Government published a white paper on the future of local government. This white paper included an invitation to councils in shire areas to bid for unitary council status - ie: a single council for Shropshire.

The leaders of Shropshire County Council, Oswestry Borough Council, and South Shropshire District Council welcomed the white paper and the opportunities it brought to benefit people in Shropshire. They believed there was a strong case – backed by public opinion, partner organisations and businesses – for streamlining the current two-tier set up of the county and five district and borough councils.

Early 2006 to June 2007 - Consultation

Consultation on the 'One Council for Shropshire' proposal, was carried out since the visit of the previous Secretary of State, David Miliband, early in 2006. Research was conducted in Shropshire, independently of councils, by Ipsos MORI. This included a countywide residents’ survey and a series of focus groups, recommended by Ipsos MORI as providing greater insight into residents’ views than a questionnaire based survey.

Between November 2006 and January 2007 an online blog was available on this website for members of the public to submit their comments on the proposal. Comments were also welcomed via email, telephone or letter, and a dedicated telephone number and email address were set up for this.

During January and February 2007 a series of countywide roadshows were held for members of the public, to inform them of proposed changes and benefits and to listen to their views.

In June 2007 Shropshire County Council commissioned a telephone survey by Ipsos MORI in order to provide impartial, scientifically-validated and up-to-date evidence about public perceptions of local government.

22 January 2007 - Joint proposal to Government

On Monday 22 January 2007 the leaders and chief executives of three Shropshire councils signed off the One Council for Shropshire proposal, and sent it to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Following elections in May 2007 South Shropshire District Council withdrew their support for the joint proposal.

25 July 2007 - The Government decision

On 25th July 2007 the leaders of Shropshire County Council and Oswestry Borough Council welcomed the Government’s decision to implement the joint 'One Council for Shropshire' proposal.

Malcolm Pate, Leader of Shropshire County Council, said: “I am very pleased at this decision, having long believed that our One Council proposal offers a great deal for Shropshire people. We have shown in our proposal that by merging Shropshire’s six main councils into one we can deliver even better value for money, at the same time as fairer and more joined-up services. This go-ahead from Government means that they also believe we can achieve this. Now that we’ve got the go-ahead, it’s very important that everyone involved in the re-organisation gets round the table together. We need to have on board the talented and committed staff we have in all our councils. And we must make sure, working together, that we make the very most of this opportunity to get the best outcomes for Shropshire people,”

David Lloyd, Leader of Oswestry Borough Council, said: “This announcement finally clears the uncertainty that has surrounded this issue over recent months and will enable all councils in Shropshire to play their full part in shaping the future governance of the county. We are proud of the way we deliver excellent and affordable services for local people but we can do even better. Bringing everything together in one effective and efficient organisation will provide the key to further improvement.”

10 October 2007 - Judicial review judgement

On 10 October 2007 the Judicial Review judgement was announced. Mr. Justice Underhill dismissed all three grounds in the Judicial Review brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council over the Government’s decision to implement the joint One Council for Shropshire proposal.

The Leader of Shropshire County Council, Malcolm Pate, said that it would now be full speed ahead for all the councils in Shropshire which are working for a smooth transition to a unitary council.

“I welcome Mr Justice Underhill’s dismissal of all three grounds in the Judicial Review brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council. What I don’t welcome is the huge and costly distraction this unnecessary action has been. The High Court judgement entirely vindicates the way in which Shropshire County Council has carefully followed the process set out by the Government."

“I am particularly pleased that the High Court decided the Secretary of State was entitled to take into account the views revealed in the representative polling conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Shropshire County Council. I sincerely hope that now the action brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council has been firmly rejected by the High Court, we can focus clearly on the task before us. I can assure staff in all the councils, and the public, that we will now get on in earnest with planning a smooth transition to a unitary council,” Malcolm Pate added.

October to December 2007 - Implementation plan

On 5 December 2007 John Healey, Local Government Minister, announced his final decision to take forward the restructure, together with a timetable for elections and a package of measures to ensure that the unitary council is up and running effectively on 1 April 2009.

"Whole county unitaries will proceed in 5 areas across the country: Shropshire, Cornwall, Durham, Northumberland, and Wiltshire. The councils who put forward the proposals estimate that the 5 new unitary authorities could save over £75 million per year which can be used to directly improve front line services or reduce council tax bills. They will create flagship 'New Authorities' leading the way on promoting prosperity, empowering citizens and communities, and improving public services for 2.1 million people. The number of councils in these areas will be reduced from 33 to 5. "

"All the successful proposals have demonstrated they will deliver strong, effective and accountable leadership, community empowerment, value for money and improved public services. They have also shown how the change to unitary structures will be affordable and supported by a broad cross section of partners and stakeholders."

January 2008 onwards - Transition to Shropshire council

The Implementation Executive (IE) began meeting informally in December 2007. They became the official decision making body for the transition to the new council in Febrary 2008. The IE consists of 29 councillors from all 6 councils.

The Joint Implementation Team (JIT) began meeting in October 2007. The JIT consists of chief officers from all 6 councils who are responsible for implementing the decisions made by the IE.

27 project teams, consisting of officers from all 6 councils, were set up in October 2007 to ensure a smooth transition to the new council.

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