22.06.18
Christchurch allowed into High Court over Dorset council merger battle
An ongoing battle between Christchurch Borough Council and a planned council merger has been given the go-ahead to proceed to the High Court.
Last month, Christchurch council outlined its plans to halt a merger that would abolish the current nine Dorset councils, and establish two larger unitary authorities aimed at saving £108m over six years.
The legal challenge submitted by the council was labelled as “an absurd intention to impute to parliament” by the government, but today Christchurch was granted permission to have its Judicial Review heard in the High Court.
Cllr David Flagg, leader of Christchurch Borough Council, said: “Christchurch Borough Council firmly believes the regulations that have passed through Parliament approving the creation of two new unitary councils in Dorset are ultra vires.
“Based on the local poll, we believe the majority of our residents remain opposed to local government reorganisation in Dorset and being granted permission to have our Judicial Review application heard in the High Court demonstrates that we have an arguable case.”
Cllr Flagg added that the government might believe that the case is absurd, this “is not the view of the judge,” adding that Christchurch believes it has 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,” he added.
Christchurch Borough Council officers will now work with its legal advisors preparing the case for a substantive hearing.
The Honourable Mrs Justice Lambert has ordered that the case will be expedited and heard in the High Court as soon as possible by 27 July.
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