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

Let's treat heritage buildings as civic infrastructure

By Jonathan Werran | 29 July 2026

Jonathan Werran asks if heritage buildings can prove an unlikely policy winner for a prime minister with a degree in English literature from Cambridge.

LEGAL

Devolution and reorganisation: Turning structural reform into community power

By Jon Rowney | 29 July 2026

Structures enable devolution, but community power ultimately determines lasting local public service outcomes, says Jon Rowney.

LEGAL

Councils' financial pressures: The story behind rising EFS demand

By Joanne Pitt | 27 July 2026

Analysis by CIPFA of requests by councils for exceptional financial support (EFS) shows some are stabilising their position and fewer are citing commercial p...

LEGAL

Reorganisation repercussions

By Paul Marinko | 23 July 2026

Following the latest round of local government reorganisation last week, ministers claim the new unitaries will boost growth and strengthen our cities but no...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman