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A single unitary authority could deliver substantial savings for Worcestershire compared to alternative arrangements, according to a council business plan. Significant reforms to local government are on the horizon, with Worcestershire County Council championing the 'One Worcestershire' model. Under this proposal, the county council alongside Worcestershire's six district councils would be replaced by a single unitary authority. Wyre Forest has also expressed support for the One Worcestershire approach, whilst Worcester, Wychavon, Malvern Hills, Bromsgrove and Redditch are backing a north and south unitary council split and are expected to unveil their own proposal this month. A business case released by the county council this week suggests that £12 million in savings could be achieved in just the second year of operating as a single unitary council, climbing to £32m by year three. In contrast, it argues, establishing two unitary authorities would still necessitate spending £11.5m in the second year and would only begin generating savings of £2.75m in the third year. The business case received backing from full council on Thursday, though not all councillors were persuaded. Conservative councillor Karen May described it as "one of the worst reports I have ever read", criticising the absence of "factual evidence" and lack of ambition. Liberal Democrat councillor Dan Boatright-Greene remarked: "This document backs up your arguments because you paid for it to be like that – that's what consultants do." He also criticised the report for "lacking ambition" and threatened to report the council to the Information Commissioner's Office for not providing him with requested information. Deputy chairman Paul Bennett warned that all the figures mentioned "could be thrown out of the window" when powers are eventually transferred to an elected mayor – a key part of Labour's devolution plan. Green councillor Martin Allen expressed his concern, stating: "The residents of Worcester, having voted for a Labour MP, must be disgusted as they had no idea this was coming." He abstained from the vote, claiming that "nothing you or I will make a scrap of difference". Council leader Jo Monk voiced her frustration, saying: "None of us wanted this. Labour forced it upon us."
