Rushcliffe Borough Council leader Cllr Neil Clarke MBE has been criticised for ‘jumping the gun in pitching his council against local government reorganisation.’
Opposition Labour and Independent councillors have joined forces in condemning the leader’s announcement that the Conservative-controlled authority would fight any merger with the city.
The minority parties say the full council has yet to meet and take a formal decision on the issue.
Rushcliffe’s Labour group leader, Councillor Jen Walker accused Mr Clarke of pre-empting the decision of democratically-elected council. It’s not due to meet until next Thursday for an “Extraordinary council meeting”.
”It reeks of fear and fragile political leadership by the Conservative group that he would resort to these tactics,” said Councillor Walker.
“He’s playing political football with an issue that needs proper debate,” she added.
Councillor Lesley Way, of the East Leake Independents, accused the ruling Conservatives of keeping the minority parties in the dark.
“A large proportion of the elected council members have had no sight of the information prior to the supposed decision and preferred option,” she said.
“To give the impression that we agree with any proposal is undemocratic,” added Councillor Way.
Whatever option is preferred, Rushcliffe’s Conservative leader has already ruled out joining Nottingham city say Labour.
The Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Neil Clarke said: “My first priority is the residents of the Borough and the high quality of services they enjoy in the Borough and the County, while keeping Council Tax low.
“We do not want to see any reduction in services or any potential large increase in Council Tax.
“I emphasise our priority will always be the residents of the Borough of Rushcliffe and to ensure our stable financial management remains fit for sustainable excellent services for our residents in the future, with high quality services remaining at the top of our agenda.”
The government wants to streamline the nine local councils in Nottinghamshire into a handful of larger unitary authorities responsible for delivering local services. On the table are three main options:
i) A new unitary council combining Nottingham, Broxtowe and Gedling, with a second unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
ii) Nottingham city remains a unitary authority, with a new unitary council for the whole of the county.
iii) A new unitary authority combing Nottingham, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe, with a second unitary for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
