Petition: Preserve Broxtowe's Independence – Oppose Merger with Nottingham City

To: The Right Honourable Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution

Subject: Opposition to the Inclusion of Broxtowe Borough in Nottingham City Council's Proposed Boundary Expansion

Background:

The UK Government's Local Government Review proposes the dissolution of borough and district councils nationwide. This initiative threatens to incorporate Broxtowe Borough—including Stapleford, Beeston, Eastwood, and Kimberley—into an expanded Nottingham City Council.

Nottingham City Council is currently facing significant financial challenges, with a projected £23.4 million budget deficit for the upcoming financial year and a cumulative shortfall of £56.8 million over the next four years. The council's financial instability has led to service reductions, such as library closures and proposed cuts to adult and children's social care services. Additionally, Nottingham City Council has one of the highest council tax rates in the UK. The Labour Leader of the City Council has publicly expressed a desire to expand Nottingham’s boundaries.

Concerns:

Financial Mismanagement: Nottingham City Council has a history of financial mismanagement, including the failed Broadmarsh Shopping Centre redevelopment, the collapse of Robin Hood Energy, and the misuse of £51 million in ring-fenced social housing funds, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds.

Service Reductions: The council’s financial difficulties have resulted in severe service cuts, including library closures and proposed reductions to adult and children’s social care services. This is not the level of service Broxtowe residents deserve.

Higher Council Tax: Nottingham City Council has one of the highest council tax rates in the UK. Merging with Nottingham City could lead to increased council tax burdens for Broxtowe residents.

Current Benefits Under Nottinghamshire County Council:

Broxtowe residents currently benefit from services provided by Nottinghamshire County Council, including:

Superior youth services

Lower council tax rates

All libraries remaining operational

Investments to protect and enhance local bus routes

£100 million investment across every part of the county

£50 million allocated for building and expanding schools, including increased Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities

£66.5 million investment in road maintenance and pothole repairs

Petition Request:

We, the undersigned, urge the Government to:

1. Maintain Broxtowe’s Current Status: Keep Broxtowe Borough within Nottinghamshire County Council, preserving its current governance structure and service provisions.

2. Reject Forced Reorganisation: Oppose any forced reorganisation that would merge Broxtowe into Nottingham City Council, thereby protecting residents from potential financial instability and service reductions.

 

Supporting Councillors:

This petition is endorsed by local councillors;

Richard MacRae

Elizabeth Williamson

Barbara Carr

Donna MacRae

Steve Carr

Stephen Richardson

Kane Oliver

Conclusion:

We call upon the Government to respect the wishes of Broxtowe residents and their elected representatives by preserving the borough’s current governance structure within Nottinghamshire County Council. This will ensure the continuation of high-quality services and protect residents from the financial and administrative challenges currently faced by Nottingham City Council.

This petition is initiated by the Broxtowe Independent Group.