Councillors walk out of crucial vote on city future branding it 'a waste of time'

THEY WERE DUE TO VOTE ON REORGANISATION PLANS THAT COULD SEE COUNTY SPLIT

- By NIGEL SLATER

CONSERVATIVE and independent councillors walked out of a meeting in protest and refused to vote on Derby City Council's future.

The walkout came after a two-hour debate over plans which could see the city council cease to exist.

The extraordinary Derby City Council meeting was held to discuss local government reorganisation (LGR) plans.

The Government hopes the changes will simplify local government, save money and enhance public services. This means councils are set to be restructured - and talks have been held this year to plan how this can be done in Derby and Derbyshire.

A proposed option set to be submitted to the Government could see Derby City Council merged into a wider geographical authority with nearby district and borough councils.

Should the Government accept this option, Derby would be part of a new “South Derbyshire” council. This would cover a population of around half a million people.

A “North Derbyshire” council would also be formed if the recommended proposal is fully approved, splitting the whole of Derbyshire into two councils.

However, a separate proposal is being considered by Derbyshire County Council for a single authority to control the entire county.

Councils have until the end of November to submit LGR proposals, with the ultimate decision being taken by central government.