31/07/2026
Six district councils and Worcestershire County Council will be completely scrapped and split into two new authorities by April 2028.
Local government changes will see Worcestershire County Council and six district councils replaced by two new authorities.
The new setup will split the area into separate north and south councils:
📍 North Worcestershire will cover Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove, and Redditch.
📍 South Worcestershire will cover Worcester, Wychavon, and Malvern Hills.
But local figures fear the structural split could lead to parts of the county being swallowed up by Birmingham.
Former cabinet member Mike Rouse warned the plans contain a clear hint that the north of the county will be absorbed into Birmingham as part of future devolution deals.
Deputy council leader Adam Kent warned the overhaul will also hit local people in their pockets.
He told BBC Hereford and Worcester that dividing major services like social care, highways, and school transport will cause massive tax hikes for residents 📈
Council leaders rejected the idea of the two new authorities sharing those major services to save cash.
💬 "What's the point? It's 90 per cent of the money!" Adam Kent said.
The official transition to the two new unitary authorities is set to be completed in April 2028.
