RESIDENTS of two villages are being promised better value for money under plans for their local council to merge into a ‘Superdistrict’.

Studley and Alcester currently come under Stratford-on-Avon District Council, but things look set to change as the council considers merging with Warwick District Council to create a new South Warwickshire authority.

The move comes after years of funding cuts and government encouragement of local councils to ‘scale up.’

Now an independent report by consultancy firm Deloitte says there are significant benefits to be had.

Stratford’s cabinet meets Tuesday afternoon (Feb 9) to discuss the proposal before a full council meeting on Monday, February 22.

Like most councils, Stratford and Warwick have taken a battering from Covid, but it may have helped underscore the benefits of a merger.

Council leader Tony Jefferson said: “The Deloitte report clearly identifies that there are significant benefits from our two authorities continuing to integrate; without this there would be even more challenging decisions required from both authorities.

“Without doubt, this is one of the most significant issues in the history of the District Council."

Meanwhile the leader of Warwick District Council, Andrew Day, said: "Out of crisis often comes opportunity. Our twocCouncils have much in common and working together we've been able to respond positively to the pandemic.

He said it would create the chance generate ‘greater value for our residents and taxpayers.’

Warwick District Council will be discussing the report at their Executive on Thursday

11 February before going before its Full Council on Wednesday, February 24.

Among the reasons for the proposal are:

• A louder voice ‘sub-regionally’ for residents and stakeholders

• Financial pressures from COVID and reductions in Government Support

• To help retain as many valuable services as possible

The councils are similar, already share some management roles, and have already started work on a plan for a joint refuse and recycling contract.

The Deloitte report has concluded: “This high-level business case has demonstrated that there is a strong strategic, economic, financial and operational case for the merging of the two Councils.”: