Dear Minister,
I write in support of proposals put forward by my colleagues in Worcestershire County Council for local devolution and the transition to a unitary authority status for Worcestershire.
Whilst I respect and value the work done by Worcestershire’s district authorities I believe the conditions both locally and nationally are right for change, and the potential opportunities that could be realised for the county with unitary status are significant.
More than 80% of local services are already under the umbrella of Worcestershire County Council. The opportunity to bring remaining services under a single authority creates major potential for local communities around, for example, a more integrated approach to planning, as well as significant efficiencies that can be reinvested into service delivery for the public. A single Worcestershire approach would generate significant benefits to local health, happiness, safety and prosperity.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, unitary status for Worcestershire would also align the county with Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin within the wider West Mercia geography, making it more straightforward to integrate services and systems within our local policing area.
If I can provide any further information or support the government’s consideration of this issue any further please let me know.
Yours sincerely,
John Campion
Police and Crime Commissioner
West Mercia
