"On Wednesday evening, the Government wrote to the Leaders and Chief Executives of all nine Councils in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
This was to formally invite them to submit proposals to create a new, City and County-wide structure of unitary authorities.
What this means in practice is abolishing the current two-tier system of local authorities and creating fewer, unitary Councils with a higher population of residents, which would be responsible for providing all services in their area.
The invitation is part of a wider package of reorganisation to public services with the intention of reducing costs and improving services. The move away from the existing two-tier structure is aimed at streamlining local government and enhancing efficiency.
Councils have until 21 March to submit initial plans, and preparatory work across all nine local authorities has already started. This is the biggest shake-up of local government in 50 years and following the initial plan, Councils will be asked to submit their final proposals by 28 November.
All nine councils will continue to work together in the public interest, exploring all options available that meet the Government's requirements.
Statement issued on behalf of the Leaders of:
• Ashfield District Council
• Bassetlaw District Council
• Broxtowe Borough Council
• Gedling Borough Council
• Mansfield District Council
• Newark and Sherwood District Council
• Nottingham City Council
• Nottinghamshire County Council
• Rushcliffe Borough Council
Andrew Abrahams, Executive Mayor for Mansfield added: "We have to ensure that our communities are at the centre of any proposals, and we do what is right for the district's we have served all these years. I will continue to fight for what is right for Mansfield as discussions continue over the future of local government.
"There is no clear and agreed solution to this, and we will have the opportunity to put forward a series of options in March. It is important to remember that this change in political landscape affects all of the councils, not just districts and boroughs, across the region."