Cllr Neil Clarke MBE, leader of the ruling Conservative Group on Rushcliffe Borough Council, has made it clear that he is firmly against any area of Rushcliffe being sacrificed to form an expanded Nottingham City Council.
The Government has set out plans to abolish district and borough councils, including Rushcliffe Borough Council, and create new unitary councils to replace the existing city and county councils.
Cllr Clarke is against any proposal that would see residents of Rushcliffe joining a new City Council. He said:
“I have been clear in meetings with fellow leaders and our MP that I do not support any area of Rushcliffe joining the city. My priority is the residents of Rushcliffe.
“We have the lowest council tax in Nottinghamshire, we are debt-free, and we are investing tens of millions of pounds into enhancing our services, with Cotgrave Leisure Centre, Keyworth Leisure Centre, Edwalton Community Hall, and Sir Julien Cahn Pavilion just some examples for this year alone.”
Cllr Clarke also warned that residents will face higher taxes if local government reorganisation is forced through.
“One of the key factors in many of us opposing a unitary authority a few years ago was when it became clear that Rushcliffe residents would pay more council tax. We have such a low rate compared to neighbouring councils, and so our rate could increase to ‘equalise’ with the other councils, which to me is unacceptable. If we join a new Nottingham City Council, I believe the council tax rate will be much higher, with nothing positive to show for it.
“My No. 1 priority is the residents of Rushcliffe and ensuring they continue to enjoy high standards of council services. Any hint of our finances being absorbed into a failing City Council is bound to result in a reduction of services, with potential closures of libraries and leisure centres as just two examples.”
Councillors are set to vote on preferred options in March, to be submitted to the Government, and Cllr Clarke says his Conservative Group is united in protecting Rushcliffe.
“In our group discussions, none of our councillors want us to join with Nottingham City. It is clear from nearly 8,000 residents who have signed the petition started by Rushcliffe Conservatives that our residents do not either. I will continue to make it clear to other council leaders that Rushcliffe is not willing to be used to bail out Nottingham City Council. That is the Government’s job.”
