Shropshire and Telford council leaders dismiss merger calls

Councillor Shaun Davies, Labour leader of the Telford council, and Councillor Peter Nutting, Conservative leader of Shropshire Council said they have met to discuss co-operation between the authorities, but agreed there is "no prospect of a merger".

Councillor Davies has been leader of his council since May 2016. Councillor Nutting was elected to replace Malcolm Pate in May this year.

Following the meeting the leaders said they recognised that there is a "great deal of co-operation between the two councils on a range of services where this enables high quality and efficiency at low cost".

The leaders said they agreed it should continue "where there is benefit and advantage to our communities".

Councillor Davies said: "We both recognise the differences between our councils, the areas and populations we serve.

"However, there will continue to be opportunities to co-operate very closely because this is the right thing to do to ensure that we deliver the best and most effective services possible for our residents.

"Just as in Shropshire, we have absolutely no appetite for merger with any other council.

"The progress that Telford & Wrekin Council has made in attracting investment and growing its economy since it was formed 19 years ago is proof of how a single voice for our area and its needs is vital."

Councillor Peter Nutting, Leader of Shropshire Council, said "The two councils have very different challenges and different political control, yet there are a number of areas in which we work together very productively.

“Although we may not agree politically, we must be pragmatic and co-operate when it is reasonable and possible to do so.

"I see no advantage in spending time and effort pursuing a merger of the two councils when there are much more important issues to tackle including growing our economies, which are much more likely to deliver outcomes for our communities and improve the finances of each council."