The Conservative Group is to place a third motion before a Full Meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council to seek cross-party support to oppose any future attempt to merge Telford & Wrekin Council with Shropshire Council into one super Unitary Authority.

Conservative group Leader Andrew Eade said “There is so much more at stake here than just saving money. The community here in Telford & Wrekin has very different aspirations and needs in comparison with the rest of Shropshire, which is why a Conservative Government granted it unitary status in the first place.”

“Our community should not have to bear a Council Tax Rise just to support the rest of the county, and neither should local democracy and accountability suffer for want of local representation.”

“While I accept that maintaining the status-quo may cost the Government a little more, local accountability is a principle which, after many years in Local Government, I hold very dear.”

“I fully expect that the controlling Labour Group will support our motion and fall in behind our campaign.”

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“This Council declares its support for the Government’s consideration of introducing Unitary Councils across the Country and notes the apparent potential for huge efficiency savings in doing so.”

“However, and in line with the past two Conservative Group Motions which received unanimous support across this Local Authority; this Council undertakes to oppose any move to merge Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council into one Unitary Authority”

Proposed: Andrew Eade

Seconded: Nigel Dugmore