Title

LEGAL

Council's legal challenge to Dorset reorganisation to proceed to High Court

Christchurch BC has been given permission to take its case against local government reorganisation in Dorset to the High Court.

Christchurch BC has been given permission to take its case against local government reorganisation in Dorset to the High Court.

The council had previously warned it would take legal action against the unitary plans, arguing a referendum found 84% of its residents were against the proposal.

Christchurch leader, Cllr David Flagg, said: ‘While the Government might believe that our case is absurd that it is clearly not the view of the judge and we believe we have a strong legal argument.

‘The council has been thorough and meticulous in its approach, and being granted permission sends a strong message that the case is wholly with merit.

'I am pleased that we are able to continue to challenge the abolition of Christchurch BC in line with the wishes of those we were elected to represent and we will continue to do so.'

LEGAL

Former DCN chair blames LGR for council's debt write-off plan

By Paul Marinko | 12 February 2026

A former District Councils’ Network chair has blamed local government reorganisation (LGR) for his council’s proposal to write off nearly £500,000 of debt to...

LEGAL

The centre must tackle the challenges still faced by counties and unitaries

By Cllr Matthew Hicks | 12 February 2026

The Government’s decision to pay the bulk of SEND deficits is a relief, but sensible decisions on reorganisation are crucial to delivering substantial saving...

LEGAL

Building budgets around places

By Stephen Taylor | 12 February 2026

Stephen Taylor says that if place-based budgeting is done in the right way, people and communities will have the learning, satisfaction and joy of creating t...

LEGAL

What councils need to know about Martyn's law

By Nathan Emmerich | 12 February 2026

Nathan Emmerich looks at the role councils are playing during the implementation period of Martyn’s Law – the legislation aimed at protecting the public agai...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman