Having served as a councillor on both a unitary authority and a district council between 1999 and 2011, I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of the unitary council model.

I back the move to create one single council for Derbyshire, excluding Derby city. This means one council will serve Derbyshire’s 800,000 residents for essential services like social care, education, roads, children’s services, and waste recycling centres. Other services, including bin collections, parks, and leisure, will be managed by this one council, allowing for better coordination and improved service delivery.

Derby city will remain as its own unitary council, separate from the county council. This ensures Derby can continue to manage its own services while the rest of Derbyshire benefits from a unified approach.

Independent research suggest that having one new council would save an estimated £133 million over the first five years, resulting in more investment in frontline services. Also, residents will have one council to contact for all services, reducing confusion and improving accessibility.

Additionally, I strongly believe in supporting and strengthening our local town and parish councils. These councils play a crucial role in maintaining close connections with residents and addressing local needs effectively.

By empowering town and parish councils, we can ensure that local voices are heard and that services are tailored to the specific needs of each community. This approach will foster greater community engagement, enhance local decision-making, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.