Government launches statutory consultation on Local Government Reorganisation.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils are encouraging residents, organisations and partners including police, NHS and education providers to have their say on the Government led statutory consultation as part of the ongoing proposals for LGR in the area.

In November 2025, councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire submitted three different proposals to Government setting out alternative models for how services and decision-making could be organised in the future. These three options propose creating two new unitary councils responsible for all local services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, but each option proposes different geographical boundaries.

Councils ran an engagement survey in July 2025 to help shape the proposals submitted.

Now, the Government’s statutory consultation will gather views on the three final proposals. Responses will inform the ministerial decision on the preferred option for the region.

LGR is a national process, introduced by Government, that will change the structure and responsibilities of local councils.

In Nottinghamshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure. Nottinghamshire County Council oversees county-wide services such as social care, education, and road maintenance. While several smaller district and borough councils are responsible for more localised services, including waste collection, and leisure centres.

Nottingham City Council operates as a ‘unitary authority’, meaning it provides all council services within the city of Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire County Council along with Rushcliffe Borough Council developed its own proposal, known and referred to in the consultation as 1b.

Nottingham City Council developed a proposal known as Bii and Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council, Bassetlaw District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council submitted a joint proposal, known as 1e.

Broxtowe Borough Council decided not to support any of the options and called for a pause on LGR so it could be considered more fully. Ashfield District Council has also stated that they remain neutral and have not shown any preference for any of the alternative models.

The consultation will run for seven weeks from today, Thursday 5 February. The Government’s online survey is available for completion at www.lgrnotts.org(Opens in a New Window). It will also be available in all council libraries and civic buildings. The Government will be writing directly to some statutory consultees but anyone can take part and share their views.

A spokesperson on behalf of all nine councils said: “Local Government Reorganisation represents a significant opportunity to shape the future of how services are delivered across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. While councils have already engaged extensively with residents, partners and community groups during the development of proposals, this statutory consultation is a vital part of the Government’s process.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in the future of local services to take part and have their say on the proposals for our area.”

Government will assess the evidence gathered, alongside the submitted proposals, against its established criteria before the Secretary of State makes a final decision in Summer 2026. Any agreed changes would then move into a detailed implementation phase to ensure continuity of services throughout.

More information about the consultation and how to take part can be found at www.lgrnotts.org(Opens in a New Window).