The Campaign for Historic Counties has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on proposals for unitary local government in Warwickshire. The consultation seeks views on proposals from local councils, which would reorganise local administration across parts of Warwickshire and neighbouring areas.
While the Campaign does not take a position on the number or boundaries of the proposed unitary authorities, it stresses the importance of recognising and respecting the historic counties. Historic counties remain the enduring geographical framework of the nation, as confirmed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in its Index of Place Names User Guide 2024 (p.13). The ONS states that historic counties continue to exist and should be used in mapping, statistics, and official documentation.
A spokesperson commented:
What is called ‘Warwickshire’ in this consultation is actually a fraction of geographic Warwickshire – and also includes a significant part of Gloucestershire and smaller parts of Worcestershire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Proposals for local government reorganisation should not obscure or replace any of these historic and geographic identities. We urge that Warwickshire and other affected counties are fully recognised in all administrative arrangements, signage, maps, and communications.
The Campaign’s response makes clear that, whatever the final administrative arrangements, the historic county identities must continue to be respected and preserved for residents, businesses, and communities across the region.
For further information or a copy of the Campaign’s consultation response, please contact campaign@realcounties.com or visit RealCounties.com.