Local government reorganisation
The process so far
For the first time in 50 years, the way our local council services are delivered is changing. Following a Government white paper, we are embarking on a journey to modernise, simplify and improve how your local councils work for you.
In February 2025, the Government invited local councils to design a new future for Derbyshire, to work together and 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.
In response to the Government’s call for local councils to work together, Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils, and Derby City Council, worked in partnership to draw up a joint proposal, which was submitted to Government in November 2025.
Seven of Derbyshire’s district and borough councils, and Derby City Council, submitted their ‘One Derbyshire, Two Councils’ plan to create two new unitary councils to cover the whole of the county, with one in the north and one in the south.
Derbyshire County Council submitted a separate proposal to create a single unitary council covering the whole of the county.
Read more about Local Government Reorganisation and our proposals on the One Derbyshire, Two Councils website.
Timeline
- November 2025 - Final proposals submitted to the Government
- February to March 2026 - Statutory Government Consultation takes place
- Summer 2026 - Secretary of State makes the final decision on new councils
- May 2027 - Elections for Shadow Authorities take place
- 1 April 2028 - New councils go live
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, view our FAQs for more information about these options.
Read more about Local Government Reorganisation and our proposals on the One Derbyshire, Two Councils website.
Engaging with the public
Government consultation
The Government’s consultation about the new councils for Derbyshire launched on 5 February and will be open for seven weeks.
Once feedback is received, the Government will consider the different options proposed to them before making a final decision on which proposal works best for Derbyshire. The breakdown of key dates can be found in our timeline.
You can view the different proposals using the following links:
- Our proposal: One Derbyshire, Two Councils – Two unitary councils covering all of Derbyshire
- Alternative proposal: One unitary council covering all of Derbyshire
Local consultation
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, we facilitated 27 in-person sessions that included hundreds of conversations, and interviewed all our key partners including the NHS, police and local businesses, which 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
Big enough to deliver, but close enough to listen and respond to local needs. Derbyshire stretches from the borders of Manchester to Leicestershire, encompassing diverse communities from rural Peak District villages to market towns and the city of Derby.
Our approach recognises that local services cannot be one-size-fits-all. Two councils will be large enough to deliver efficiently whilst remaining close enough to our communities to understand and meet local needs.
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 council 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.
- Preserve local identity and protect Derbyshire’s historic boundaries, cultural heritage and environmental assets.
- Meet 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.
Derbyshire County Council is developing its own proposal, which has been submitted to the Government separately.
Timeline
- November 2025 - Final proposals submitted to the Government
- February to March 2026 - Statutory Government Consultation takes place
- Summer 2026 - Secretary of State makes the final decision on new councils
- May 2027 - Elections for Shadow Authorities take place
- 1 April 2028 - New councils go live