Archive for category: News & Information

We are looking for a member of the public to serve as an independent lay co-opted member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel for 4 years, or the remainder of its lifespan. The Panel covers the geographical areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire. Support for the Panel is provided by Worcestershire County Council.

The Panel is part of the governance arrangements for policing in the West Mercia area.  Its role is to maintain a regular check and balance on the performance of the directly-elected West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.

The role of the Panel Member is an important and demanding one.  The commitment required from a Panel Member will vary but is expected to average one day a month (including preparation time).  Meetings will generally be held during normal working hours at venues throughout the West Mercia police force area.

All Panel members can claim a reasonable amount for travelling and subsistence expenses and will receive induction and other appropriate training.  This is not a paid position.

The Panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities in West Mercia and welcomes applications from all eligible people (there are some exceptions which are listed in the application pack).

Applications from people with experience (in paid or unpaid roles) in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be particularly welcomed.

Applicants must be resident in or work within the West Mercia police force area.

If you wish to find out more information about the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel and for details on the application process, please visit our website:

West Mercia Police and Crime Panel | Worcestershire County Council

 Please return applications by 5pm on 30 September 2026 either by email to: sjmorris@worcestershire.gov.uk

 or by post to:

Samantha Morris, Overview and Scrutiny Manager,

Worcestershire County Council,

County Hall

Spetchley Road

Worcester

WR5 2NP

 

Dear residents,

So now we know. From April 2028, we will have a North Worcestershire Council and a South Worcestershire Council, delivering all services from bin collections to roads and social care for children and adults.

As leaders of the three district councils in South Worcestershire, we believe this is the right decision, not just for the communities we serve, but for the whole county. Moving to a unitary is a government decision. It has to happen and we are fully behind a South Worcestershire unitary.

Our task now is to make reorganisation a success. The people of Worcestershire will expect us to focus less on yesterday’s arguments and more on tomorrow’s opportunities. That is the responsibility we all now share.

There is a long and complex road ahead. Working with Worcestershire County Council and our colleagues in the north, we are determined to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform services, move towards long-term financial sustainability, and deliver better outcomes for residents.

The proposal for two councils emerged from extensive public consultation. You told us it was important to reflect the distinct character of north and south Worcestershire, keep decision-making close to communities and protect the local services people rely on. We’re pleased the Government listened to your voice, but you still have a key role to play.

The creation of unitary councils will enable the next stage of local government reorganisation and the devolution of power from Whitehall.  This means that more decisions will be made locally by people who know Worcestershire well.

The subsequent formation in stage two of what are called strategic authorities, consisting of a number of new unitary councils constructively working together under a mayoral structure, allows the possibility of control of infrastructure development in our region supporting the economic growth and jobs that we need.

As the English White Paper says, “The number one mission of this government is to relight the fire of our economy and ignite growth in every region”. To that end, we stand ready to play our part in making local government reorganisation and English devolution a success.

Over the next nine months, your existing councils will help shape the new authorities. In May next year, you will elect the councillors who will lead the final preparations before the new councils take over on 1 April 2028.

For many councillors, this will be the final chapter of a lifetime of public service. For others, it will be the beginning of a new one. Whatever the future holds, it has been the greatest privilege to serve the people of Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon. Until our final day, we will remain focused on serving our communities.

History will judge this moment not by the councils we create, but by the difference they make to people’s lives. Our responsibility is to ensure the new councils inherit strong services, sound finances and thriving communities. That is the legacy we aim to leave. A new and strong economic voice.

Councillor John Gallagher

Leader of Malvern Hills District Council

Councillor Lynn Denham

Leader of Worcester City Council

Councillor Richard Morris

Leader of Wychavon District Council

Are you looking for a new challenge?

If you’re passionate about where you live and want to make a difference than join the Parish Council

For an application pack please

email: clerk@honeybourne-pc.gov.uk

or call 07951429652

Your Parish Need  You!