A PUBLIC consultation has been launched for the proposal to merge Stratford District Council and Warwick District Council to create a 'super district'.

Studley and Alcester currently come under Stratford District Council but may be covered by South Warwickshire council if the proposal is given the go ahead.

Both councils are facing an uncertain financial future and is estimated that both councils will have shortfalls increasing to around £4 to £6 million per year by 2025/26.

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Cllr Tony Jefferson, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: “This is an extremely important consultation that relates to the future of both Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils.

“Both councils face significant financial challenges - the impact of dealing with the pandemic, when combined with the increased costs of delivering existing services, such as waste management, as well as responding to the climate emergency.

“We have to recognise the undeniable fact that the world has changed in ways we could not have envisaged, and we need to adapt to those changes."

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The public consultation on the plans to create a South Warwickshire Council has opened and will run until Sunday, October 24.

Cllr Andrew Day, leader of Warwick District Council said: “As much as the pandemic has been a crisis for us, it has presented a challenge and an opportunity for us to re-imagine what local government services in South Warwickshire might be like in the future.

“We need to hear your views – we need to listen and respond to what our residents want."

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The findings from the consultation will be considered, along with any other evidence, at a meeting of the councils on December 13. A decision will be taken as to whether they want to formally ask government to allow the councils to merge.

The consultation document and online questionnaire can be completed at www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/