A petition has been launched by Conservative councillors calling for Gedling borough to remain outside the city boundaries if a proposed Government reorganisation of local authorities goes ahead.
The Government announced plans to reorganise local authority structures across the country with the publication of The English Devolution White Paper back in December 2024. It proposes merging two-tier council areas, such as Nottinghamshire, into one or two organisations, preferably with an elected mayor to lead them.
But the controversial plans have been met with fears over development and soaring council tax rates.
if Government plans go ahead, all nine councils, including the City and County would be dissolved and two new unitaries created.
Now a group of Conservatives on Gedling Borough Council have come together calling for a potential city move to be blocked claiming revenue streams from other areas outside of the city would help meet any shortfall caused by a rising student population and other factors.
This week Gedling Borough Conservative councillor Darren Maltby, who represents the Bestwood St Albans ward, launched the petition titled ‘Say no to including Gedling Borough in Nottingham City Council’s boundary expansion plan.
It has so far attracted more than 200 signatures.
In the introduction to the petition Mr Maltby said: “It has been reported that Nottingham City Council wants to expand its boundaries to include Broxtowe, Rushcliffe and Gedling for financial reasons.
“As an ever-growing student population where students do not pay Council Tax, the revenue streams from other areas outside of the city is their key objective to get out of bankruptcy.”
Mr Maltby said a move to the county would be preferable as it provides ‘better youth and adult services, libraries in every community and much lower council tax’.
“Nottingham City Council is a financially unstable authority,” he said.
“It is burdened by hundreds of millions of pounds in liabilities and a projected multi-million budget deficit next year. It is closing libraries and youth services, provides poor care and charges much higher council tax.
“In stark contrast, Gedling Borough residents access good services provided by Nottinghamshire County Council while paying less Council Tax than the City. “
“We demand the protection for our high-quality services and low council tax rates. Together, we can safeguard the future of Gedling and ensure our voices are heard.”
Visit https://www.change.org/p/say-no-to-including-gedling-borough-in-nottingham-city-council-s-boundary-expansion-plan to view and sign the petition.
