THE LEADER of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has said there will be no merger with Rugby Borough Council. And he stressed that he is committed to preserving the identity of the two towns. The revised final report looking into joint working between the two councils is due to be circulated, with a final decision on joint working set to take place after the council election in May. Councillor Peter Gilbert said: “At present we are merely exploring an option, nothing is set in stone and it is still fully possible that, once we have considered the findings of the report, we may or may not decide to move forward with a strategic alliance. “I am as committed to preserving the identity of Nuneaton and Bedworth as anyone. I am passionate about the borough as are all Nuneaton and Bedworth borough councillors and the same is true for our counterparts in Rugby. “If the alliance goes ahead, the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth will still have 34 councillors in local wards championing their causes and importantly, the borough council’s frontline services will remain intact, or even improve. “Key policy decisions are, and will continue to be, taken by the councillors of both authorities. “The alliance concept is about preserving our respective identities and working together more efficiently to reduce costs and duplication and improve services.” Cllr Gilbert said his personal preference was “the option of a shared chief executive and management team, leading to the possibility of shared service delivery where it is cost effective and beneficial to do so.” He added: “We are not planning a merger with Rugby. Although one of the options listed in the draft document is a full merger, it is dismissed as not being politically viable. Once the final report is received, we will want to take time to consider it, ask questions and take advice on it. We will need to meet with colleagues in Rugby and we are suggesting that Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Rugby cabinet members meet together and we will invite the leaders from opposition groups to attend that meeting as well. “We will then formally consider the report at a cabinet meeting and cabinet will make its recommendation to full council.” However, Christine Kerr, chief executive of the council, admitted there would be challenges to face if a strategic alliance is formed. She said: “Undoubtedly there are challenges, the two councils will not always have the same priorities; two independent organisations will inevitably disagree from time to time; there may be perception issues if one council feels that the alliance is not equitable, relations between councillors and a shared chief executive and management team will be different. “In our case the two councils will need to decide whether the benefits outweigh any real or perceived disadvantages. In my view, it is right that this option is explored and given full consideration. It is an important decision and one, I am sure, which members will not take lightly.” | 
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