The Worcester Liberal Democrats have responded to comments from Cllr David Taylor, Deputy Leader of Worcestershire County Council, (Worcester News Story HERE) accusing the Reform-led administration of making excuses and dragging its feet over the future of local government in the county.
Liberal Democrat Co-Leader, Cllr Jessie Jagger, said:
“While residents face rising costs and local services are under pressure, the administration seems unable — or unwilling — to make a decision. It’s hard not to notice that as summer holidays rolls on, there’s a distinct lack of urgency.”
Reform has cited a lack of detail from the districts as the reason for delay, but the Liberal Democrats say Worcester and its neighbouring councils have not been treated as equal partners in the process.
“District voices have been sidelined. This isn’t how good governance works. Residents deserve transparency and respect, not a top-down approach that shuts them out,” Cllr Jagger said.
The Lib Dems also warned against the push for a single unitary authority, calling it the “cheap option” that would risk erasing Worcester’s identity and voice.
“We cannot allow a cut-price solution to wipe away centuries of local heritage. Nobody wants to see the Guildhall turned into a nail parlour. If Worcester is absorbed into a distant mega-authority, we lose the ability to shape our future and protect what makes our city special.”
With final proposals due to go to government in November, the Liberal Democrats are calling for clarity, urgency, and real leadership.
“Worcester can’t afford to wait for politicians to return from their summer break to start having serious conversations. This is too important. Reform need to step up.”
