Local government reorganisation in Derbyshire must be about levelling up communities and strengthening public services, not cutting costs or putting jobs at risk, says UNISON.
The union, which represents thousands of council and school staff across Derbyshire, says any changes to local government structures must have proper funding behind them and protect the people delivering essential services.
The reorganisation of local government has been sold as a way to save money, but it brings huge upfront costs, major disruption and the risk of losing experienced staff at a time when councils are already under intense financial pressure, says UNISON.
The union says any reorganisation must come with guarantees that no workers will lose out and that services will be protected for the residents who rely on them.
UNISON Derbyshire branch secretary Martin Porter said: “There was a lot of impassioned talk in the council chamber about this issue, but nobody mentioned the council staff who have worked through years of austerity and seen first-hand what happens when funding dries up, services get stretched and communities suffer.
“Any reorganisation in Derbyshire must be about levelling up, not down. It should strengthen local democracy, make public services better for residents, and protect the people who deliver them every day.”
UNISON says ministers and local authorities should focus on long-term investment in councils, so communities can thrive and essential services, from social care to waste collection, are properly funded and staffed.
