This page brings together key facts about the Government’s plans to significantly change the way local councils are set up across England, including in Nottinghamshire.
Here you’ll find information on what’s happening, the proposals being developed, answers to common questions, and how you can have your say. The page will be updated regularly as the process moves forward.
Background
In late 2024, the Government published a white paper describing a national programme of devolution and reform to local government.
It means that the way local councils in England are organised is being fundamentally changed for the first time in 50 years.
In places like Nottinghamshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure.
This means that some services are delivered by a borough or district council, and others are provided by Nottinghamshire County Council. Within Nottinghamshire, we also have Nottingham City Council which is a ‘unitary’ council providing all services to the communities it serves.
Between them, these councils are responsible for a vast range of local services. The county council provides things like social care for children and adults, education services and transport, while district and borough councils are responsible for services such as bin collections, planning, and leisure centres. Nottingham City Council provides all of these council services to the communities it serves.
This structure dates back to 1974. The way we live our lives has changed substantially since then, and the Government believes services could be delivered more efficiently and effectively by having fewer councils.
In February 2025, the Government asked local councils to work together to draw up initial proposals for new organisations that are:
- Simpler and more efficient
- Better value for money
- Closer to communities
- Able to deliver joined-up services.
Engagement
A six-week survey was conducted over the summer, and invited residents, businesses, and local organisations to share their views on the biggest shake-up to local government in over 50 years, known as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The survey was jointly conducted by all nine councils in Nottinghamshire affected by government plans to create new ‘unitary authorities’. More than 11,000 responses were received.
The survey explored people’s views on their local area, the effectiveness of current council structures, their awareness of LGR, and the potential impact of the proposed changes. Respondents were also asked to comment on the two options being put forward by the councils.
Respondents highlighted the need for new councils to focus on delivering good quality core and universal services like roads and pavements, crime/anti-social behaviour, and clean streets. As well as highlighting the importance of involving residents in decision-making. Pride in local areas came across strongly, alongside the difference in the urban and rural geographies that needed to be considered.
You can read the full engagement results here.
The results of the consultation have been used to shape our final proposal to government on 28 November 2025. A decision on the final proposals that are submitted for Nottinghamshire is not expected until spring 2026.
Our proposal and the benefits
Our proposal for two new unitary councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire offers the most sensible and pragmatic route to delivering national and local ambitions. It lays the foundation for a new era of local government in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver lasting change, creating two strong, sustainable councils that will drive growth, improve lives, and be truly rooted in the communities they serve.
One council for the north and one council for the south represents the only ‘sensible geography’ of the proposals being submitted. It avoids complex boundary changes and brings communities together that are most closely connected in terms of heritage, identity, housing, transport, and travel to work.
Having regard to the government criteria, here’s why our option creates a brighter future for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire:
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It's the people’s choice.
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It’s a recognised geography.
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Analysis shows it offers the most financial sustainable and resilient solution, through driving transformation through its geography and target operating model for social care.
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It improves the delivery of local government services for residents.
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It aligns with existing collaboration and connections with health and other public sector bodies.
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It aligns with the strategic ambitions of the East Midlands Mayor to deliver more growth and better jobs, improve skills, clean energy and climate resilient infrastructure.
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It has a real-life alignment linking to where people live and work.
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It accelerates and delivers housing growth and offers the best option for one of the county’s core cities to grow.
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It builds on natural, organisational, and transport linkages.
Read our proposal in full here.
Where we are now and next steps
We have submitted our final proposal for local government reorganisation in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
A detailed proposal, known as north-south, has been produced and submitted to Central Government.
Nottinghamshire County Council along with Rushcliffe Borough Council has developed its own proposal, which it will submit to the government separately. This is also the case with Nottingham City.
The government will then review all proposals submitted for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Before implementing any proposal, it must legally consult any local authority that is affected by the proposal and any other stakeholders, including members of the public. This statutory consultation is expected to take place in early 2026.
Under the government’s current timetable:
- It will make a final decision about which model of local government reorganisation will be implemented in December during summer 2026.
- Elections for new shadow authorities would take place in 2027
- New councils would start to operate by April 2028