Local Government Reorganisation

The process so far

Plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are continuing.

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the nine existing local authorities including Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) would be abolished, to create new unitary councils with a higher population of residents, following a central government white paper in November 2024.

In February 2025, the Government wrote to local authorities formally inviting them to submit proposals to create new structures of unitary authorities – which is a single tier of local government responsible for all local services in an area. The aim is to create more efficient and effective local government, potentially leading to streamlined services and cost savings for residents.

Update November 12, 2025

Nottinghamshire Leaders to Submit Proposals for Greater Nottinghamshire – Safer, Simpler, Stronger Local Government

Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council have unveiled their joint proposal for LGR, setting out a bold plan to create two new unitary authorities for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. This will be discussed at an extraordinary Full Council meeting on November 20.

This once-in-a-generation reform aims to deliver better outcomes for residents, stronger local leadership, and a modern, joined-up approach to deliver safer and simpler public services in their Greater Nottinghamshire vision.

The proposal, built on robust evidence and extensive local engagement, recommends the creation of two council authorities:

• Nottingham Council, representing the core city and surrounding communities of Broxtowe and Gedling
• Nottinghamshire Council - serving towns, villages, and rural communities across Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark & Sherwood, and Rushcliffe

This model is backed by an independent options appraisal and is considered the best fit for the area’s needs – balancing urban and rural priorities, supporting economic growth, and ensuring financial sustainability.

Proposals will be debated at Full Council meetings on Thursday 20 November before being formally submitted to government on 28 November.

The two council leaders say they believe this approach will cut out confusion, focus effort where it’s needed most, and build councils that puts residents and local businesses first, to meet government requirements for reorganisation.

Cllr Neil Clarke, Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council said: “My priority has always been the residents of the whole county. This proposal is the best one given the evidence – it brings together what works, keeps our communities at the heart of decision-making, and ensures we’re ready for the future. We’ve listened to local views and worked hard to make sure this plan delivers for everyone, wherever they live in Nottinghamshire or Nottingham.”

Timeline

Among the next steps include further data gathering and assessing financial analysis, contracts, procurement, shared services, ICT infrastructure, people services, operations, technology, service synergy, democratic structures, communication and engagement and housing considerations.

The outline timeline of the process is currently:

• Extraordinary meeting of Council - November 20 and Cabinet meeting November 25

• November 28 will see formal submission of proposals to central government

• Central government consultation on the proposals to be confirmed - likely to be spring 2026

• Government set to respond on the submissions in July 2026

• Expectation by April 2027 a shadow authority to be created
• Possible formal start and vesting day of new Unitary Council April 1, 2028.