Mark Whitehead 23 May 2018

Council launches legal proceedings against Dorset reorganisation

Christchurch BC has launched a legal challenge to plans for a reorganisation of local government in Dorset.

In February, local government minister Sajid Javid confirmed he would go ahead with proposals to replace nine councils in the county with two new unitary authorities.

The new councils are due to start work next April, one covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and the other serving the rest of Dorset.

But following Mr Javid's refusal to withdraw the plans, Christchurch has now issued proceedings in the High Court for a Judicial Review of the decision.

Council leader David Flagg said: 'Christchurch Borough Council and the majority of our residents remain opposed to local government reorganisation in Dorset and we firmly believe that the regulations drafted by the Secretary of State are beyond his powers.'

#Unitary

Analysis

10 ways councils are responding to new housing and planning policy

With the Government’s target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029 looming, councils are enacting a number of policy shifts to accelerate housing delivery and increase the efficiency of planning processes.

Opinion

Using technology to access local financial support

With the Crisis and Resilience Fund beginning in April, Ren Yi Hooi, CEO at Lightning Reach, explores how technology can help councils improve financial help.

Most Popular News

PM announces £800m Pride in Place expansion

Government to pay off 90% of SEND deficits

LGA slammed for failing to take its own advice

Seven councils permitted to hike council tax above 5% cap

Reform UK budget defeated

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Executive Director of Place and Customer

up to £179,404 per annum

Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

£100,731 to £104,625

You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester

Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.

The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)

Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Head of Children’s Social Care

£135,406

If you are an inspiring, values driven leader with a strong track record in children’s social care, we would be delighted to hear from you. Durham (County)

Recuriter: Durham County Council