A SURVEY asking Rugby residents for their perspectives and priorities has been launched to help inform future discussions about the proposed reorganisation of local government.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has launched an online resident engagement survey to hear what people feel makes Rugby unique, what matters most to them about local services, and how they would like decisions affecting their area to be made in the future.
It encourages residents to share what they value most about Rugby Borough and their expectations for how council services and local decision-making should work in the future, in the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Warwickshire.
An RBC spokesperson said: “The survey is an early-stage listening exercise designed to ensure Rugby’s identity, needs and local voice are clearly understood as future arrangements develop.
“The engagement is not a consultation on whether Local Government Reorganisation should take place and does not ask residents to support or oppose LGR. Instead, it focuses on capturing local priorities and perspectives to help inform future discussions.”
Council leader Coun Michael Moran said: “As we prepare to rearrange local government services within Rugby and the wider Warwickshire area we have committed to ensuring that any new authority maintains a significant presence within the borough.
“Understanding what matters most to our residents will help us to plan for this change, ready for when the government announces its preferred model of local government reform in Warwickshire.”
Coun Jerry Roodhouse, Chair of RBC’s Town Centre Working Group, added: “Rugby’s town centre and local communities are at the heart of how residents experience council services and decision-making.
“This survey gives residents the opportunity to speak up on what makes Rugby Borough unique and what they want to see protected as future arrangements are considered. I would encourage residents to take part and make sure their views are heard.”
RBC and Warwickshire County Council have officially filed their support for a single unitary council to represent the whole of Warwickshire.
But a two-unitary proposal – splitting Warwickshire into north and south councils – is favoured by Stratford District Council, Warwick District Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, and North Warwickshire Borough Council.
The submissions follow the Government’s invitation to bring forward options for Local Government Reorganisation.
The Government will make the final decision which will be implemented in April 2028.
The survey is available online, with paper copies also available from Rugby Town Hall reception. Alternative formats and assistance with completing the survey can also be provided at the Town Hall.
The survey is open until Monday February 24. Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/en/lgr-engagement-survey to take part in the survey, or for more information.
