THE LEADER of Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has assured residents the authority’s primary focus is ensuring the borough recovers from the pandemic as quickly as possible.
He was speaking as councillors in Rugby prepare to consider possibly inviting other councils across Warwickshire to join a review of their future structure and powers.
The joint review into local government structures in the county will be considered at a full RBC meeting next week.
The call comes after the respective leaders of Warwick District Council and Stratford District Council issued a statement last month announcing a review of structures in south Warwickshire.
The move comes in anticipation of a government white paper expected to be published in the autumn, which is expected to address devolution of powers, “levelling-up” between wealthier and more deprived communities, and reform.
If approved, the recommendation will see all of the borough and district councils in Warwickshire, the county council, and town and parish councils via their representative organisation, jointly commission a review to consider financial pressures and the erosion of the connection between people’s association with a sense of place, among other factors.
RBC leader Seb Lowe said: “Residents of Rugby can be assured that our primary focus is on meeting the needs of our communities during the current civil emergency, and on ensuring that our borough recovers from the pandemic as quickly as possible.
“This pandemic has shown that Rugby’s residents appreciate the support we have provided and value having a well-run authority with local decision-making.
“We must though consider whether we can deliver our long-term ambitions for Rugby more quickly and more efficiently with devolved powers and with more decision-making taking place closer to the communities we serve.
“I invite the leaders of all of the authorities in the county to join me and consider what arrangements we can make for the future.
“At the forefront of my considerations, however, must be what is right for Rugby.”
The council meeting will be live-streamed via the council website at www.rugby.gov.uk/CouncilJuly2020, starting at 6pm on Tuesday (July 21).
