Over 11,000 take part in engagement on Local Government Reorganisation

The six-week survey, which closed on Sunday 14 September, 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’. 

The majority of responses were submitted online, although outreach events and focus groups were also held to ensure the results reflected the diversity of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 

Over 96% of respondents lived in Nottinghamshire, with responses received from all nine affected areas. The highest number of responses came from Rushcliffe, 
Broxtowe, and Gedling.

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.

The feedback gathered will inform the development of final proposals, which must be 
submitted to government by 28 November 2025.

Under the LGR proposals, all nine existing local authorities would be abolished and replaced with new unitary councils serving larger populations.

Information about proposals in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are available at lgrnotts.org (Opens in a new window)

A spokesperson said:

“We are very grateful to everyone who took part in this engagement process. It’s vitally important that we hear from the public. This is the biggest shake-up in local 
government in over 50 years, and every response will be reviewed. All data will be available to the councils to support the proposals submitted to central government in November.

It’s clear that people want to have their say, and the sheer number of responses has given us a strong understanding of the future needs and priorities of Nottinghamshire’s communities.”

The government will review the proposals before making a final decision on the LGR option for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as well as other council areas across England, in Summer 2026.

A supplementary engagement exercise was undertaken by Broxtowe Borough 
Council, and results of that will be shared with local residents at a later date.