RBC proposes no part of Rushcliffe should join Nottingham City
Last updated: 21/3/2025
Rushcliffe Borough Council(RBC) propose no part of Rushcliffe should join Nottingham City and residents should have a say on any final proposal for changes to local councils.
That was the opinion of a majority of Councillors at Rushcliffe Borough Council at an Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday (March 20) that considered recommendations on the future of local Councils in Nottinghamshire, following the Government’s announcement on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The Government have written to all Councils asking them to work on proposals that would see all existing Councils abolished. New Unitary Councils could replace the current authorities, which would undertake all the services both tiers of councils currently deliver.
Three core options were finalised among all Notts Council leaders earlier this month but it was accepted that some councils may still wish to continue to explore additional proposals.
Therefore a report was presented at the meeting that saw RBC recommend the interim plan submitted to the Government should include an additional fourth option which would see Nottingham City stay as it is and the rest of Nottinghamshire split into two smaller councils. A majority of Councillors voted to include this fourth option.
Leaders agreed earlier this month that the next stage of submissions ahead of a final submission on November 28 would require a more detailed analysis of individual options and agreed to emphasise to Government that a review of current boundaries may be required, to ensure that LGR delivers the best outcomes for local communities.
Leader of the Council Cllr Neil Clarke said: “The Council will now write to the Government to request a public consultation exercise for the people of Nottinghamshire to have their say on any final proposal.
“We are keen to still remain working with other councils but we are equally keen to ensure other options receive further assessment in line with the additional alternative that we proposed in the meeting.
“It is important that our residents can be assured of the confidence of a high standard of service they receive at the moment being maintained in the future.
“It is our understanding is that the government has not indicated a public consultation exercise is necessary.
“However, it is important that residents have an opportunity to express their views and consequently we will be doing all we can to ensure our residents do have that opportunity to have their say.
“My first priority is the residents of the Borough and the high quality of services they enjoy in the Borough and the County, while keeping Council Tax low. We do not want to see any reduction in services or any potential large increase in Council Tax.
“I emphasise our priority will always be the residents of the Borough of Rushcliffe and to ensure our stable financial management remains fit for sustainable excellent services for our residents in the future, with high quality services remaining at the top of our agenda.
“The work will proceed over the summer to work together with other councils in the hope that a final submission can be agreed for the end of November.”