Government decision on One Council for Shropshire welcomed

Press release from Shropshire County Council and Oswestry Borough Council - 25 July 2007

Government decision on One Council for Shropshire welcomed

The leaders of Shropshire County Council and Oswestry Borough Council today 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,” Malcolm Pate added.

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,” David Lloyd added.

Following Government’s decision to implement the One Council proposal, elections for a new unitary council – replacing the current county, borough and district councils – will be held next May.

ENDS

For further information, call Malcolm Pate, Leader, Shropshire County Council, tel via (01743) 252003.
David Lloyd, Leader, Oswestry Borough Council, tel (01691) 677203.
For media contact, call John Hargreaves, Head of Communications, tel (01743) 252813