The Cabinet of Warwickshire County Council have today discussed and voted in favour of a single unitary body for local government in the county.

This week Kenilworth Nub News brought details of the 48-page report produced by Warwickshire County Council and PWC for changes to local government in the county.

The report was produced in response to the announcement of a White Paper bill due to be put forward by the UK government this September. It will propose changes to local governments.

The report detailed three different options for reform; slight amendments to the current two-tier model, a single unitary, or two unitaries.

It was clearly in favour of recommending a new single unitary model for the county, stating "the case for unitary government for Warwickshire is compelling."

Kenilworth Nub News also reported a joint statement by the five district councils this week which rejected the county council's proposal, stating that they had not consulted the people of Warwickshire.

"We live in a democracy and we are talking about the biggest shake-up in half a century so it would be totally wrong for any changes just to be pushed through without any feedback from residents, business and partner organisations."

At the meeting today, cabinet members heard from three district councillors before the discussion began.

Cllr Andrew Day, of Warwick District Council, said "why the rush? Why do this now? Why not take the time to discuss all the options."

He went on to call for more discussion between the county and district councils and said "we want to work in partnership with the county council on this."

There were continued calls by councillors from various districts who argued that the report was sub-standard, and was rushed.

Cllr Adam Farrell of North Warwickshire Borough Council said "this is a 48-page begging letter to believe the unbelievable."

Today the cabinet of the county council voted in favour of a single unitary body.

The vote was passed unanimously with nine votes in favour.

Throughout the meeting County Council leader Izzi Seccombe was clear to stress that she viewed the meeting not as a final decision, but as the beginning of a discussion.

"Full council on September 22 is when the full council decision will be made."

"We would not want to start designing it without the full council" and stated that all councils will be allowed input later on in the process.

Whilst the cabinet are in favour of the single unitary proposal this is not the final decision for Warwickshire County Council.

On September 22 all the county councillors will deliberate the proposed changes.

A decision to pursue change would then lead to public consultations whilst the report was submitted to the government.

If the council rejected the measures, then the case for change would be withdrawn from the government, but the county would then be subjected to decisions from the government.