Communities Secretary approves Northamptonshire unitaries plan but delays implementation to 2021
The Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, has approved plans to abolish the eight existing councils in Northamptonshire and replace them with two new unitary authorities.
The unitaries will be established on 1 April 2021 – a year later than originally proposed – with shadow authorities operating following elections in May 2020. They will comprise:
- North Northamptonshire – covering the existing districts of Kettering, Corby, East Northamptonshire and Wellingborough; and
- West Northamptonshire – covering the existing districts of Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire.
The Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, is also minded to form a new Children's Trust to deliver children’s social care for both the authorities and as such cover the whole county. This would implement a recommendation from the Children’s Commissioner, Malcolm Newsam.
The Communities Secretary said: “I welcome the continued commitment of Northamptonshire’s councils and their partners to driving forward the changes to local government in their area which I have confirmed today.
“The two new authorities of North and West Northamptonshire will usher in a new era for the county, transforming the way services are delivered so every resident can have confidence they will receive the high-quality public services they both expect and deserve.”
In his written ministerial statement, Brokenshire explained the reasons for the year-long delay: “Whilst I recognise that a delay in implementation will mean potential savings estimated in the proposal will not be realised for another year, I am clear that the extended implementation period means we can be confident that there will be a safe and effective transition to all the new service delivery arrangements across the whole of the area, including for those crucial services supporting the most vulnerable.
“Throughout this extended period my Commissioners will be able to continue to support the county council.”
Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Supporting vulnerable children and families must be the first priority of any government, so they can get the protection they need.
“The decision marks an important step for everyone living in Northamptonshire, and by creating a children’s trust to deliver children’s social care across the two new counties, we will be able to provide the continuity and stability that families deserve.”
The reorganisation of local government in Northamptonshire followed the widely-reported financial troubles of Northamptonshire County Council and was one of the recommendations of an independent best value inspection.
Its Leader, Cllr Matt Golby, said: "This is very welcome news for Northamptonshire and means we can now step up our work in transforming our services to make them fit for the new unitary councils.
"The introduction of these new authorities and the Children's Trust is a once in a generation opportunity to recast local government in Northamptonshire to offer residents and communities better, more efficient services and more transparent and accountable governance.
"I look forward to continuing our work alongside district and borough colleagues to seize this opportunity."
