Local Government Reorganisation

The future of councils in Derbyshire - local government reorganisation

This page brings together key facts about the Government's plans to reform local government in Derbyshire.

Here you'll find information on what's happening, the proposals being developed, answers to common questions, and how local people have been involved and consulted.

The page will be updated regularly as the process moves forward.

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. Derby 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

Working together on local proposals - One Derbyshire, Two Councils

In response to the Government's call for local councils to work together, Derbyshire's eight district and borough councils, and Derby City Council, have been working in partnership to draw up a joint proposal.

Our 'One Derbyshire, Two Councils' case for change sets out a plan for Derbyshire's 10 existing councils to be replaced by two new authorities to deliver all services in their local area. We propose the creation of:

a council for northern Derbyshire
a council for southern Derbyshire

The proposal identifies four possible options to shape the geography and boundary lines of the new councils (please see our FAQs for more information about these options).

FAQs (PDF, 164 KB)

Engaging with the public

Local residents, businesses, public sector partners and community and voluntary groups were invited to have their say on our One Derbyshire, Two Councils proposal in engagement activity which ran from 30 June to 10 August 2025.

This included a survey, in which over 7,300 residents participated, the facilitation of 27 in-person sessions that included hundreds of conversations, and interviews with all our key partners including the NHS, police and local businesses, that all provided valuable insights and information.

The results have helped to shape our final 'One Derbyshire, Two Councils' case for change and proposals - thanks to everyone who had their say.

The benefits of our One Derbyshire, Two Councils approach

This is a complex issue - but the people and places of our historic county have been at the heart of our work to develop a proposal for Derbyshire.

Our shared vision proposes a future where services are simpler, communities feel supported, and every part of our county thrives - together with a commitment to significantly transform the services that local people rely on.

We propose a new two-unitary structure that:

Keeps councils connected to local people - big enough to deliver but close enough to listen and respond to local needs.
Can provide effective and value for money services - with the vision and financial stability to transform the services residents receive.
Preserves local identity and protects Derbyshire's historic boundaries, cultural heritage and environmental assets.
Meets the Government's criteria for reorganisation. These include:
- Providing high quality and sustainable public services
- Working together to understand and meet local needs
- Creating opportunities for stronger community engagement and neighbourhood empowerment
- Improving efficiency, capacity and financial resilience
- Supporting devolution

Where we are now, and next steps

Following consideration by each of the councils' decision-making meetings in November 2025, we have submitted our final case for change and proposals for local government reorganisation in Derbyshire.

A detailed proposal has been produced and can be read here:

Proposal – Case for Change (PDF, 16 MB)
Case for Change Proposal - A (PDF, 255 KB)
Case for Change Proposal - A1 (PDF, 274 KB)
Case for Change Proposal - B (PDF, 322 KB)
Case for Change Proposal - B1 (PDF, 374 KB)

Derbyshire County Council has been developing its own proposal, which has been submitted to the Government separately.

The Government will then review all proposals submitted for Derbyshire. 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 during summer 2026.
Elections for new shadow authorities would take place in 2027.
New councils would start to operate from April 2028.

We will keep you updated as things move along.

You can also find out more in our Frequently Asked Questions document.

FAQs (PDF, 164 KB)