Districts end legal challenge over government approach to Buckinghamshire unitary

Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council have ended their bid for a judicial review challenge over the way the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is effecting the change to a new unitary council for Buckinghamshire.

Last month the two local authorities were refused permission to bring a claim.

Chiltern and South Bucks had previously expressed concerns at a lack of local consent and recent changes to the proposed democratic arrangements. They also criticised the lack of reasons given for making those changes.

In a joint statement the Leaders of Chiltern District Council, Isobel Darby, and South Bucks District Council, Nick Naylor, said: “Following further legal advice the councils have decided to not progress any further with their application for a judicial review regarding the way Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government is effecting the change to a new unitary council for Buckinghamshire.  

“Obviously we are disappointed in the judge’s decision to refuse permission to proceed but we stand by our intention to do everything we can to ensure the new Buckinghamshire Council is something we can all be proud of and will be the very best for all our residents. “