A petition has been launched urging the Government to prevent Rushcliffe from being merged into the Nottingham City Council area, a move that organisers say could have significant consequences for local residents.
The Government has proposed abolishing all district and borough councils, as well as county and city councils, in favour of creating larger unitary authorities serving at least 500,000 people. Given that Nottingham City Council’s population falls well short of this threshold, there are growing fears that areas of Rushcliffe, Gedling, and Broxtowe could be forced into a new administrative area under Nottingham City Council’s control.
Councillor Debbie Soloman, Chairman of Rushcliffe Conservative Association, has voiced strong opposition to this plan, highlighting the potential harm it could cause to the high standards of governance and services currently enjoyed by Rushcliffe residents.
“As councillors, our first priority is to ensure the very best for Rushcliffe residents. This is not just about council tax rates; it’s about maintaining an effective, well-run council that delivers excellent services. Here in Rushcliffe, we have the lowest borough council tax in Nottinghamshire compared to other districts, and we have benefited from significant investment by the award-winning Rushcliffe Borough Council. Our parks, leisure services, and community spaces continue to thrive.”
“In contrast, Nottingham City Council has one of the highest council tax rates in the country, has slashed services, and has presided over the decline of our once-proud city centre. We have even heard some Nottingham City councillors openly express their enthusiasm for incorporating areas like West Bridgford to expand their tax base, with no mention of how they would improve services for our residents.”
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Councillor Soloman also pointed to the historical pressures placed on Rushcliffe to accommodate Nottingham’s housing needs, further exacerbating concerns over infrastructure and planning control.
“Rushcliffe has already seen thousands of homes built to meet Nottingham City Council’s unmet housing needs under a mandatory cooperation agreement, significantly increasing housing pressures in our area. If Rushcliffe were to be absorbed into a new Nottingham City Council, we fear even more development without the necessary investment in vital infrastructure.”
Furthermore, concerns remain over Nottingham City Council’s financial mismanagement, which has led to failures such as Robin Hood Energy, the collapse of the Broadmarsh shopping centre redevelopment, and the Nottingham Castle fiasco.
“We will not allow Rushcliffe residents to be used as cash cows to bail out Nottingham City Council’s financial mess. The City Council has prioritised building thousands of student flats—which are exempt from council tax—while forcing development onto Rushcliffe’s green spaces. This is not sustainable or fair.”
The petition is open to residents and councillors of all political backgrounds who oppose the forced reorganisation and want to send a clear message to the Government: Rushcliffe should not be merged into Nottingham City Council.
“If changes must be made, Rushcliffe should combine with part of Nottinghamshire County Council, which is also well run and has a track record of safeguarding vital services such as libraries and youth centres.
“Rushcliffe’s success deserves to be safeguarded rather than absorbed into an authority that does not share our values of financial responsibility, high-quality services, and strategic infrastructure investment.
“Please sign the petition today and share it with friends and family to protect Rushcliffe’s future.
Sign here: https://www.change.org/protectrushcliffe
This petition is supported by local Councillors, including:
Councillor Debbie Soloman
Councillor Jonathan Wheeler
Councillor Hetvi Parekh
Councillor Abby Brennan
Councillor Andy Brown
Councillor Hari Om
Councillor David Simms
Councillor Davinder Virdi
Councillor Gordon Wheeler
Councillor Debbie Mason
Councillor Roger Upton
Councillor Phill Matthews
Councillor Rob Inglis
Councillor Tony Wells
Background
• Rushcliffe council tax still the lowest in Nottinghamshire
• Devolution: Boundary changes could merge Rushcliffe with Nottingham city in ‘key opportunity‘
• Rushcliffe countryside at risk because of Nottingham’s housing shortfall, says council leader
• 417 Robin Hood Energy creditors owed £62m after collapse of energy business
• Nottingham Castle liquidation is a ‘blow to city economy‘
