The future of councils in Derbyshire

The process so far

In late 2024, the Government published a white paper describing a national programme of devolution and reform to local government.

It means that the way local councils in England are organised is being fundamentally changed for the first time in 50 years.

In places like Derbyshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure.

This means that some services are delivered by a borough or district council, and others are provided by Derbyshire County Council. Within Derbyshire, Derby City Council is also a ‘unitary’ council.

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, view our FAQs for more information about these options.

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 Council 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

 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 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.

The Government will 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 in Derbyshire during summer 2026.
• Elections for new shadow authorities would take place in 2027
• New councils would start to operate by April 2028

We will keep you updated as things move on in this webpage.

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