Newark Town Council Rejects Asset Return Proposal Amid Outcry

UPDATE: Newark Town Council has just voted against a controversial motion to return its assets to the district council, igniting fierce reactions among local officials and residents. The motion, proposed by Matthew Skinner and seconded by Diane Ledger, was decisively turned down during a full council meeting on January 28, 2025, with nine members voting against it and only seven in favor.

This proposal aimed to evaluate the future management of key town assets, including parks, the town hall, and the market, suggesting that these services would be more effectively delivered by the Newark and Sherwood District Council as it transitions into a unitary authority. Skinner emphasized the financial challenges facing the council and questioned whether maintaining control of these assets was sustainable for Newark’s residents, stating, “Is there going to be a cost saving to the ratepayers of Newark? Do I believe there could be a better outcome in terms of delivery of services? I think the answer is yes.”

However, the proposal met with strong opposition. Councillor Susan Crosby remarked, “My legacy will not be giving the town council assets away,” highlighting a deep-seated commitment to local governance. The debate comes amid the government’s ongoing local government reorganization (LGR), which proposes the establishment of two new unitaries to streamline services across the region.

As Newark and Sherwood District Council prepares to finalize its plans, the LGR aims to consolidate services in a way that officials believe will enhance efficiency. The government’s approval of the plan, submitted in November 2025, could lead to the dissolution of all nine existing councils, replaced by these new unitaries. The district council has historically provided an annual grant of £3,780,000 to Newark Town Council, a support that will end after the 2026/27 financial year due to the impending LGR.

The implications of this vote are significant. Councillor Matthew Spoors cautioned against the motion, labeling it an “attack on local democracy.” He argued that returning assets would mean surrendering control to representatives of the new unitary authority who may not understand the unique needs of Newark residents.

Fellow councillor Esther Cropper echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over losing local control to a larger organization: “I do have concerns about control being taken away from an organization such as this, where we are living in this area, and we know this area very, very well.”

In contrast, some members recognized potential benefits to the proposal. Councillor Paul Taylor pointed out that Newark residents might end up paying for services twice under the new governance structure. He noted the urgent need for repairs to the town hall, stating, “I believe this building is the jewel in the crown for Newark, but it needs a million quid or so spending on the roof.”

With the vote now concluded, the council’s focus shifts to assessing the long-term implications of the decision for Newark’s future. As discussions continue, residents and officials alike are left grappling with the potential changes on the horizon and the effects on local governance.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Newark Town Council navigates its path forward amidst the ongoing local government reorganization.