Councils to submit final plans for biggest shake-up to local government in over 50 years

The proposal, rooted in community and connected by place, has been developed through extensive collaboration and public engagement, and recommends the creation of two new unitary councils that will provide services for residents in the north and south of the county:

• Sherwood Forest (North Nottinghamshire) – comprising Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Gedling, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood Council areas
• Nottingham and South Nottinghamshire (South Nottinghamshire) – comprising Broxtowe, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe Council areas

The proposals represent the biggest shake-up of local government in over 50 years, following the government’s announcement in February to fundamentally overhaul how local councils are run. If approved, all nine existing councils would be abolished and replaced with two brand-new unitary councils.

Councils have until 28 November to submit their Final Proposal to national Government and Bassetlaw, Gedling, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood councils intend to submit a joint proposal to create two new councils, one for the north and one for the south of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The north-south model, known throughout the public engagement process as Option 1e received the strongest support during the engagement process. The feedback from the engagement showed that Option 1e received more support than 1b, with around a third of respondents viewing it positively, particularly for its clearer North-South split and perceived geographic split.

This model brings together neighbouring communities that share borders, heritage, travel-to-work areas, and housing markets, while avoiding disruptive boundary changes. The proposal is backed by leaders representing over 70% of the region’s geography and 473,000 residents, and aligns with similar plans in neighbouring Derbyshire.

Councillor Julie Leigh (Bassetlaw), Councillor Paul Peacock (Newark and Sherwood), Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams (Mansfield), and Councillor John Clarke MBE (Gedling) have united in support of the proposal, emphasising its potential to deliver lasting change, financial sustainability, and genuine transformation in public services. The Leaders have also acknowledged the concerns raised by residents about the need for reorganisation and the impact it could have on local communities.

A Joint Statement from Council Leaders from Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, Mansfield and Gedling:

“We are incredibly pleased to submit our plan for two new unitary Councils that bring neighbouring communities together in a way that makes sense both geographically and economically.

“This proposal will deliver significant efficiency savings and remove the confusion and duplication that is caused by the current system of county and district councils.  Our proposal carries the potential to improve local services and enhance the prosperity of our areas through stronger economic and housing growth, and it brings communities together that have a common connection. Since this process began in February, we have worked collaboratively with all councils throughout this intense period. However, we must be realistic about what will deliver the best outcome for our residents, and this is the most sensible option.

“The other option (Option 1b) would place the iconic City Ground (home of Nottingham Forest Football Club) and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground outside of the Nottingham boundary and in a Council that stretches up to and beyond Doncaster. As residents have identified for themselves, this does not make sense.

“Listening carefully to our residents, we know that there are some concerns around LGR but our proposal recognises these and looks at ways we can address them head on. We know that Government has mandated Local Government reform, and failure to put through a sensible proposal, such as ours, could mean that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are given an option that is not the best for the people. Therefore, we have carefully listened to the feedback received so far, and will continue to do so, to shape what we believe is the very best option for all.

“We would like to thank residents across Nottinghamshire for their engagement in this process. We now await the government’s final decision on what happens next.”

The preferred option will now go to councils for approval before being submitted to government for consideration. There will then be a period of government engagement on all options presented by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The current nine Councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are expected to be abolished on 31 March 2028 with the two new Councils beginning the following day.

The report can be viewed below:

Proposal - Sherwood Forest & Nottingham & South Nottinghamshire Unitary Council (PDF File, 16,235kb)

Appendices for proposal for LGR (PDF File, 18,916kb)