The district was created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, by a merger of two former districts which were both abolished at the same time, these were:[2]
The new district was initially named Nuneaton, after its largest town.[3] Nuneaton's borough status, which it had held since 1907,[4] was transferred to the enlarged district, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.[5] Following a campaign from Bedworth residents the borough's name was changed to "Nuneaton and Bedworth" with effect from 1 October 1980.[6][7]
The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Nuneaton and Bedworth. Political leadership is provided instead by the leader of the council. The leaders since 1974 have been:[14]
Since the last boundary changes in 2002 the council has comprised 34 councillors representing 17 wards, with each ward electing two councillors. Elections are held in alternate years, with half the council (one councillor for each ward) elected each time for a four-year term of office.[17] New ward boundaries have been drawn up to come into effect for the 2024 election, increasing the number of wards to 19 and councillors to 38.[18]
Premises
The council is based at Nuneaton Town Hall on Coton Road in Nuneaton. The building was purpose-built for the old Nuneaton Borough Council and opened in 1934.[19]
Subdivisions
Bulkington, the third-largest settlement in the boroughWards of Nuneaton and Bedworth
Nuneaton and Bedworth are divided into 17 wards, each represented by 2 councillors, giving a total of 34 councillors. The borough has no civil parishes.
Ward name
Approximate coverage
Population (2001 census)
Population (2011 census)
Abbey
Abbey Green, Nuneaton town centre
7,234
8,717
Arbury
Heath End, Glendale, Bermuda, Arbury
5,482
6,736
Attleborough
Attleborough, Maple Park, SW Whitestone
7,564
7,676
Bar Pool
Black-a-Tree, Sunnyside, Stockingford (east)
7,451
7,452
Bede
Collycroft (east), Furnace Fields (north), Bedworth town centre, Burnside, Water Tower estate
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