Councillors Condemn ‘Farce’ of Local Government Reorganisation in Heated Debate
Rushcliffe Borough Council recently approved a proposal to create a ‘Greater Nottinghamshire’ authority as part of the ongoing local government reorganisation (LGR). This decision was made during an extraordinary meeting on November 20, 2025, in preparation for submission to the central government. The proposal must be submitted by November 27 to align with the government’s timeline.
Key Events and Reactions
During the 80-minute debate, councillors expressed significant frustration regarding the reorganisation process. Conservative council leader Neil Clarke MBE emphasized that the regulations were less than ideal, attributing the initiative to the current Labour government. He stated, “These are the cards we’ve been dealt.”
Councillors largely supported the Conservative proposal, known as the 1b option. This plan would maintain Rushcliffe’s role within the future Nottinghamshire Council. The Conservative-led council collaborated with the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council to finalize the submission.
Criticism from Opposition
Opposition members voiced strong concerns over the proposal’s implications. Labour councillor Jen Walker criticized the Conservatives for politicizing local government restructuring. She claimed they had turned LGR into a “political football.” Her sentiments were echoed by other councillors who supported a clearer, more unified approach.
Independent councillor Ted Birch referred to the situation as a “farce,” expressing dissatisfaction with the entire reorganisation process. An amendment he proposed noted that while they were submitting a proposal, public support for LGR was lacking.
Comments from Various Councillors
- Labour Councillor Mike Gaunt: Suggested that the Labour Party had previously included devolution in its election manifesto and criticized the lack of dialogue among parties.
- Independent Councillor Carys Thomas: Argued against splitting the county into separate councils, advocating instead for a single, unified authority.
- Green Party Councillor Richard Mallender: Raised concerns about remote planning decisions affecting local communities.
- Conservative Councillor David Simms: Warned that the proposed structure may lead to uninformed decision-making, as many new council roles would be filled by part-time councillors.
The debate reflected a deep-seated concern among councillors about the implications of the proposed changes and the fast-paced nature of the reorganisation. Many expressed the belief that a hasty approach would not serve the local population well.
Conclusion
The proposal for a Greater Nottinghamshire Council has sparked significant debate within Rushcliffe Borough, revealing divisions among councillors. While a majority supported proceeding with the submission, ongoing concerns about representation, public support, and the overall efficacy of the reorganisation remain at the forefront of discussions.
