Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council have formally submitted the Greater Nottinghamshire Proposal to the UK Government, setting out a bold vision for modernising local government and improving services for residents in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
This change to local councils is happening because the Government has asked us to reorganise how local government works in Nottinghamshire. We are following this requirement to make sure our services are better, simpler, and more joined-up for everyone in our communities.
Our proposal recommends replacing the current two-tier system with two new unitary councils. Under this plan, one council would bring together Nottingham City, Broxtowe, and Gedling, creating a single authority focused on the urban core and its surrounding communities.
The second council would unite the remaining districts of Rushcliffe, Newark and Sherwood, Ashfield, Mansfield, and Bassetlaw, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and reflect the needs of local communities.
This approach is designed to simplify governance, reduce duplication, and strengthen accountability. By streamlining decision-making and focusing resources, the new councils would deliver better services, financial resilience, and a governance model that puts local identity at its heart. Residents will benefit from clearer responsibilities, improved service delivery, and a stronger voice in local decision-making.
Following submission, the Government will review the proposal against statutory criteria and then launch a formal consultation.
This consultation is expected to begin in early 2026, inviting views from councils, stakeholders, and the public. Once the consultation closes, ministers will consider responses and announce their decision, likely in late spring or summer 2026. If approved, legislation would be introduced in summer 2026, paving the way for elections to new “shadow authorities” in May 2027.
The new councils would then go live in April 2028, marking the start of a new era for local government in Nottinghamshire.
The full proposal is available online at https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and www.rushcliffe.gov.uk, where further details and supporting information can be accessed.
Other submissions can be viewed by visiting: Nottingham and Nottinghamshire: Reorganising your councils
