Dan Peters 21 January 2019

Buckinghamshire districts threaten legal action over unitary plan

Two Buckinghamshire districts have written to the Government warning they could launch legal proceedings over plans to create a single county unitary.

Chiltern and Wycombe DCs have expressed their concerns in a letter to local government secretary James Brokenshire.

The letter complains about the lack of local consent and a ‘failure to ensure appropriate checks and balances’.  

In a joint statement, Chiltern leader, Cllr Isobel Darby, and Wycombe leader, Cllr Katrina Wood, said: ‘We are doing this with great reluctance but feel that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has left us with no alternative.

‘We have obviously thought long and hard about whether to take this step, but in this case we believe that it is in the best interests of our communities in Buckinghamshire to challenge the process being used.

‘Our aim is not to hinder the creation of the new council but to ensure we get an excellent, new council, giving us the opportunity to start afresh and form a council that serves our residents and businesses well, and one we can be proud of.’

All four Buckinghamshire districts decided not to agree to the regulations that will pave the way for a new unitary after they were laid before Parliament last week.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Service Manager for the Multi Agency Child Protection Team

Nottingham City Council
£58,602 - £62,109
You will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping child protection practice across Nottingham Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Head of Regulated Services

Nottingham City Council
£75,323 - £84,396
You will provide strategic leadership for our Residential Children’s Homes, our Fostering Services, and our, Permanence service Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Head of Children's & Education Services Transformation

Nottingham City Council
£75,323 - £84,396
You will play a critical leadership role in driving Nottingham's ambition to deliver outstanding services for children, young people and families. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Assistant Head of Legal Services (Regeneration & Property)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO9 - £71,181 - £74,802
The role will involve legal advice and support to committees, members and senior officers, and taking any appropriate measures London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner