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Creating one council for Northumberland

The Government has announced that it is to reorganise councils in Northumberland.

Currently, local government in the county is organised on a two-tier basis, in which two types of council, a county council and a district or borough council, provide the council services you receive. Across Northumberland there is one county council and six district or borough councils.

The Government believes that local government in two-tier areas could be improved, and be provided most cost-effectively by the introduction of a simpler and clearer system.

Countdown to the creation of a new council for Northumberland is underway. Transforming the county and six district councils into one single authority will take time and a lot of hard work but by vesting day, in April 2009, the foundations will be in place for a smooth transfer of services and staff.

What are the benefits for Northumberland?

A unitary council in Northumberland will mean:

  • Savings of approximately £17 million per year
  • local people have more say about what matters to them
  • a stronger voice regionally and nationally for the county as a whole

What happens next?

The county and district councils are working together through a joint implementation team to prepare for the launch of the new authority.

Key dates and milestones have been identified. An independent commission of Northumberland (ICON) has been set up to oversee the transition process.

How will the new authority be organised?

The council will be designed to ensure that services are delivered at local level to meet the needs of communities across the county. Recognising the diversity of communities within Northumberland has led to the identification of a number of 'natural communities'.

How can I find out more?

You can read more about how the new council will be organised in “The Whole Council Blueprint Design”.

 

 

Northumberland Council Elections 2008

 

 


On 1 May this year, everyone over the age of 18 years old was given the opportunity to have their say in arguably the most important local election process of this generation.

Back in December, Local Government Minister John Healey announced in Parliament that one brand new single authority was to be created to cover the whole of Northumberland. He also announced a timetable to move towards the new council, with elections in May 2008 and the new authority to be ready to begin on 1 April 2009.

These elections presented an opportunity for people in Northumberland to vote for a councillor to represent their area in the new single Northumberland council. The major changes will see 67 councillors in Northumberland from 1 April 2009, instead of over 300 councillors that currently represent the county at district and county council level.

The 67 elected councillors have taken over the remaining business for the county council until the new council begins in April 2009. Those councillors representing the district councils will also continue in post until April 2009.

 

Northumberland Election Results 2008

 

 

 

 

Elected Councillor Contact Details

 

Council Meetings and Democracy

The new council is aimed at encouraging more people to get involved in local decision-making through meetings at county, area and belonging community levels.