Lib Dems and Labour Councillors say look at creating a Rugby Town Council

At a Full meeting of Rugby Borough Council on Thursday 24 September 2020, Liberal Democrats and Labour Councillors put forward a motion to look at the creation of a Rugby Town Council to provide decision making powers and democracy to the urban areas of Rugby.

In August, it was announced that the Government is due to release a devolution White Paper in the Autumn to look at the structure of all Councils in Warwickshire.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Barbara Brown Deputy Leader of the Labour group.

Commenting, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrats group, said:

"Local government reform is on the horizon and the landscape is changing. The urban area of Rugby is not parished and we must ensure that it is not left behind. We should explore the potential of a Rugby Town Council and bring in national and Warwickshire bodies to ensure that we get the best deal for residents in Rugby. Times are changing, and Rugby Borough Council needs to look at this issue as soon as possible and react to events so we can meet the needs of Rugby town centre and residents who live in the urban area."

Commenting, Councillor Barbara Brown, Deputy Leader of the Labour group, said:

"Rugby town has a special identity, and the way it develops has to be driven by the people who know it best, use it most and live in it day-to-day. Exploring the benefits that a Town Council could bring is a positive step towards safeguarding the best provision possible for our urban residents."

Motion to Full Council - 24 September 2020

(a) "Most areas of Rugby Borough are parished apart from the Rugby urban area. Considering the conversations that are now taking place over the future of local Government this Council requests that the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) with Warwickshire Association of Local Councils (WALC) are approached to help bring together a report concerning the creation of a Rugby Town Council."

Proposer: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

Seconder: Councillor Barbara Brown

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1129/council/attachment/2865