The next step in the overhaul of local government in Nottinghamshire took an important step yesterday with the start of a massive consultation exercise.
The government have launched their consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – inviting everyone to have their say.
Back in November, 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.
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, like Gedling, 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 and is available for completion at www.lgrnotts.org. It will also be available in all council libraries and civic buildings.
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.
