Major Parish Shake-Up Gets Green Light for Further Consultation
Plans for a significant reorganisation of local government in Solihull are moving ahead, as councillors have approved draft proposals to merge Balsall Parish Council and Berkswell Parish Council. The decision, made at a Solihull Council governance committee meeting on November 20, triggers a second public consultation phase set to run from December through February.
The push for a merger gained momentum after a joint request from both parish councils, which argued they are "intrinsically linked". An initial two-month consultation saw 273 residents respond, with a significant majority—205 people—expressing support for the merger.
Debate Over Councillor Numbers and Public Engagement
While there is general agreement on the merger's principle, the proposed structure of the new council sparked debate. The draft plan suggests a council of 15 councillors, a figure several local representatives consider too high.
Balsall parish councillor Richard Drake advocated for a smaller body, stating, "We believe 15 is too many... We believe 11 is the right number for effective working." His view was supported by Berkswell Parish Council chairman, Councillor Charlotte Shadbolt, and Councillor Andrew Burrow, who has served on both councils. Councillor Burrow highlighted the practical challenges of recruitment, noting there has been only one election in his 25 years of service.
However, Councillor Max McLoughlin offered a counterpoint, suggesting that a larger council of 15 would be better equipped to handle future population growth in the area without requiring an immediate future governance review.
Addressing the Low Response Rate
A primary concern raised during the meeting was the low level of public participation in the first consultation. Councillor Richard Lloyd, who opposes the merger, pointed out that 97% of residents did not take part.
Councillor Leslie Kaye echoed this apprehension, questioning how a valid decision could be made on such a small turnout. In response, officer Matthew Rossi, the council’s electoral services manager, outlined plans to boost engagement in the second phase. These include launching a text notification service and holding a public meeting to ensure residents are properly informed of the arguments for and against the changes.
Should the merger proceed following the next consultation, the new unified parish council is scheduled to come into force in April 2027.
