Wychavon residents are being urged to have their say on the most significant change to local councils in Worcestershire for more than 50 years.

The Government on the 5th February launched a seven-week consultation asking people, businesses and local organisations for their opinions on two proposals that will reshape the way council services are delivered across the county.

One of the plans – Transforming Worcestershire – would create a North Worcestershire council covering Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, and a South Worcestershire council covering Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon. They would run all services for their part of the county and replace the six borough, city and district councils as well as Worcestershire County Council. Under the proposal, certain services, such as elements of social care, would continue across both of the new councils if beneficial.

Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council are putting forward an alternative proposal to create a single council running all services across the county.

People can find links to both proposal and how to have their say by visiting the Government's Worcestershire LGR consultation page(opens in a new window). Paper copies of both proposals are available to view in local libraries. Visit the Transforming Worcestershire website for more information on the Transforming Worcestershire proposal. (opens in a new window)The deadline for responses is Thursday, 26 March.

Feedback from the consultation will be analysed and used by the Government to make its final decision, which is expected in July 2026. Elections for a new shadow council – or councils – would then take place in May 2027, ready for the new arrangements to come into effect on 1 April 2028.

Work experience in Worcestershire is changing - and local businesses are now being called on to help shape a modern approach that better reflects the industries, careers and opportunities available to young people across the county.

Early Careers Worcestershire is already working with schools and employers to move away from the traditional one-week placement model towards a more flexible, meaningful programme delivered throughout a student’s secondary school journey. The new approach will include workplace visits, employer-led projects, industry encounters and shorter placements, helping young people gain a broader and more realistic understanding of the world of work.

Working alongside the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) and Worcestershire Growth Hub, Early Careers Worcestershire has been supporting schools and businesses to prepare for these changes, ensuring work experience becomes more inclusive, relevant and aligned with the skills needs of local employers.

The shift represents a significant opportunity for Worcestershire businesses to play a leading role in developing future talent while helping students better understand the careers available on their doorstep.

Now, employers across the county are being encouraged to step forward and help shape the future of work experience through a new campaign carrying the message: “If not you...then who?” - highlighting that businesses who engage early will help influence tomorrow’s workforce, while those who do not risk being left behind by competitors investing in future skills.

Recently, Early Careers Worcestershire hosted Skills Expo at Sixways Stadium, where thousands of Worcestershire school students from Years 7-10 met local employers, education and training providers, demonstrating the strong appetite among young people to connect with industry and explore future career pathways.

To support businesses in understanding the new approach, a Work Experience Business Forum will be held at Visit Worcestershire New Road, home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Wednesday 13 May 2026. The event will introduce employers to the evolving model of work experience and provide an opportunity for organisations to help lead the way and shape how work experience is delivered across the county.

Matt Tope, Programme Manager for Early Careers Worcestershire, said, “Work experience is evolving to better prepare young people for modern careers and to better support employers in developing their future workforce. We are already working closely with schools and businesses across Worcestershire, alongside the Careers & Enterprise Company and Worcestershire Growth Hub, to build a system that works for everyone.

Now is the time for Worcestershire businesses to step forward and show their support. By getting involved, employers can help create meaningful experiences that reflect the real opportunities available in our county, inspire local students and ensure Worcestershire continues to grow the skills its economy needs.”

Employers interested in supporting the new approach to work experience are encouraged to follow the link below to register a place for the Work Experience Business Forum and find out more.

Residents, businesses and community organisations across Worcestershire are invited to help shape a new county-wide Waste Plan, with Worcestershire County Council running a public consultation from 25 February to 15 April 2026.

The consultation focuses on the evidence collected so far and the council’s approach to preparing the plan, rather than on a draft plan itself. This early engagement will help guide its development before formal proposals are produced.

The evidence outlines how different types of waste could be managed over the next 15 years, informing sustainable waste management and future planning decisions. Feedback may influence everyday issues such as the number and location of recycling facilities.

The current Waste Core Strategy was adopted in 2012, and a new plan will reflect changing waste patterns, updated evidence and national environmental targets. Have your say by visiting: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wasteplanningpolicy. Following the consultation, all responses will be reviewed, and a summary of comments and next steps will be published.

The number of people living with dementia in the UK continues to rise, making it essential for communities and businesses to play an active role in supporting those affected. With better understanding, businesses can make a real difference to the wellbeing and confidence of customers, staff and carers.

Local businesses are often the first point of contact for people living with dementia and those affected may well include your own staff, either living with dementia themselves or acting as carers. Simple changes such as creating a more accessible environment or ensuring staff feel confident interacting with individuals who may need extra support, help people remain active, connected, and independent. This not only benefits individuals and their families but strengthens the wider community and creates a more welcoming town centre for everyone.

To help businesses get involved, Number 8 will host a Dementia Awareness Festival on Tuesday 12 May, open to community groups, charities and local employers. The event will include speakers from the University of Worcester, individuals with lived experience, and organisations such as Age UK Wyvern and Citizens Advice.

We warmly invite all businesses to attend and learn about further dementia training opportunities. For more information or to submit questions for speakers, contact communitybuilder@pershorevolunteers.org.uk.

In Summer 2026 Pershore Wellbeing Hub is celebrating 5 years of providing vital support to local people.

From our location in the heart of Pershore, the Hub provides a warm, friendly and welcoming space where people of all ages who are struggling with life’s challenges can drop in and get the support, advice and information they need that can make a huge difference to their lives.

Support can be- 

• Signposting to other services and organisations 

• Helping to fill in forms and get online 

• Providing a listening and caring ear 

• Helping people feel less lonely and isolated by building community connections 

• Help when life feels overwhelming perhaps after bereavement or life changes

Our amazing team of local trained volunteers bring their life skills and knowledge alongside their care and compassion to supporting their fellow community members with fantastic results.

In the past 5 years we have supported over 8299 local people.

We want to do more to meet what we know to be the needs in our community, by increasing availability of support, recruiting more volunteers, expanding our reach in the local community and potentially finding larger premises to meet growing demand.

As part of our 5 year anniversary, we are therefore launching our “ Hub High Five Campaign” to raise funds to support and develop our work.

Support from local businesses and organisations is vital to our campaign that will help us provide life changing support to people living in our communities.

More details to follow over the next few weeks. In the meantime we would love to hear from you, if you would like to know more and may be willing to lend your support please contact

Joanna Dodd, 

Manager Pershore Wellbeing Hub 

jododd@pershorewellbeinghub.co.uk

Wychavon District Council are looking into setting up a ‘Park that Bike’ scheme. A unique scheme to promote cycling and active travel. Working with employers and communities. However, before going ahead with such a scheme, we are seeking feedback as to whether businesses would be interested in participating and have identified a need for bike parking facilities. Please see a brief summary / benefits of the scheme below and direct any feedback / questions to: joe.wheldon@wychavon.gov.uk (Joe Wheldon, Carbon Reduction Projects Officer).

The scheme would: 

• target the business, community and voluntary sectors 

• offer them various types of cycle parking – free of charge – for installation on their premises

Funded by the Council and operated by ParkThatBike, the scheme would achieve the following outcomes: 

• high quality cycle parking installed in places where it is needed 

• cycling made easier and more convenient 

• the status of cycling raised 

• cycle theft reduced 

• a measurable increase in cycle use

Benefits of the ParkThatBike scheme: 

• Effective. Many employers want to provide cycle parking, but do not have time or expertise to search through manufacturers’ catalogues and websites. A ParkThatBike scheme makes it easy for them. Help in identifying what is need and installation. 

• Value for money. ParkThatBike schemes have a powerful leverage effect. Many employers take up the offer of free cycle parking but then go on to install more. 

• Popular. ParkThatBike schemes are always popular with the business community and the wider public. Workplaces gain better facilities. Cyclists have somewhere secure to park their bikes. Levels of cycle use increase.