Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council have today unveiled their joint proposal for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), setting out a bold plan to create two new unitary authorities for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
This once-in-a-generation reform aims to deliver better outcomes for residents, stronger local leadership, and a modern, joined-up approach to deliver safer and simpler public services in their Greater Nottinghamshire vision.
The proposal, built on robust evidence and extensive local engagement, recommends the creation of two council authorities:
- Nottingham Council, representing the core city and surrounding communities of Broxtowe and Gedling
- Nottinghamshire Council – serving towns, villages, and rural communities across Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark & Sherwood, and Rushcliffe
This model is backed by an independent options appraisal and is considered the best fit for the area’s needs – balancing urban and rural priorities, supporting economic growth, and ensuring financial sustainability.
Proposals will be debated at Full Council meetings on Thursday 20 November before being formally submitted to government on 28 November.
The two council leaders say they believe this approach will cut out confusion, focus effort where it’s needed most, and build councils that puts residents and local businesses first, to meet government requirements for reorganisation.
Cllr Neil Clarke, Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council said: “My priority has always been the residents of the whole county. This proposal is the best one given the evidence – it brings together what works, keeps our communities at the heart of decision-making, and ensures we’re ready for the future. We’ve listened to local views and worked hard to make sure this plan delivers for everyone, wherever they live in Nottinghamshire or Nottingham.”
Councillor Mick Barton, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Since we were elected in May I was given a job to do, and that was to deliver a proposal on LGR (Local Government Reorganisation). From the very beginning, I wanted communities, residents and businesses to be at the forefront of what this policy represents and delivers.
“Five months on, we have the proposal ready to go to Full Council on 20 November, and I am happy with our final proposal. I would like to thank all members who have been positively engaged in the process, along with the officers who have drawn up the final proposal.
“As I feel that the document we are putting forward is a superior piece of work. I look forward to delivering this final document to full council and formally signing it off and then sending it to the government at the end of the month.”