Full speed ahead for the transition

to a unitary council

Judicial review judgement

The Leader of Shropshire County Council, Malcolm Pate, said today that it was now full speed ahead for all the councils in Shropshire which are working for a smooth transition to a unitary council.

“I welcome Mr Justice Underhill’s dismissal of all three grounds in the Judicial Review brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council over the Government’s decision to implement the joint One Council for Shropshire proposal."

“What I don’t welcome is the huge and costly distraction this unnecessary action has been."

“The High Court judgement entirely vindicates the way in which Shropshire County Council has carefully followed the process set out by the Government."

“I am particularly pleased that the High Court decided the Secretary of State was entitled to take into account the views revealed in the representative polling conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Shropshire County Council."

“I sincerely hope that now the action brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council has been firmly rejected by the High Court, we can focus clearly on the task before us. I can assure staff in all the councils, and the public, that we will now get on in earnest with planning a smooth transition to a unitary council,” Malcolm Pate added.