Articles
Gedling Borough Council back proposals to form new unitary authority
Date Posted: 12:37 PM on Thu, 31 July 2025
Gedling Borough Council has endorsed a proposal to form two new unitary authorities as part of national plans to reorganise Local Government.
The Government is disbanding the current two-tier system of district and county councils. As a result, Nottinghamshire councils are required to put forward proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) by November 28th. The aim is to simplify local government by replacing the current two-tier system, where responsibilities are split between county and district councils, with larger, single-tier unitary authorities. The goal is to improve service delivery, reduce duplication, and create more financially sustainable councils.
At a Full Council meeting held on Wednesday 30 July, councillors recommended that Gedling’s Cabinet approve the development of an option for Gedling to merge with Newark & Sherwood, Ashfield, Bassetlaw and Mansfield councils. As part of this, a second unitary authority would be formed of Nottingham City, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe councils.
This recommendation follows an independent review by PwC, which assessed various options against government criteria including service delivery, financial sustainability, and local economic alignment.
The Council also announced it will be part of a countywide engagement programme running from August to September 2025. Residents, businesses, and community groups will be invited to share their views on the proposed changes to influence future priorities.
Once the final business case has been submitted to Government in November, a decision on the Government’s preferred option is then expected in Spring 2026.
Elections for new shadow authorities will take place in May 2027, with new councils becoming operational in April 2028. Other councils involved in the Nottinghamshire LGR process have stated different preferred options so it’s likely that more than one proposal may be submitted for the Government to consider.
Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said:
“This marks the most significant transformation of local government in over 50 years, and the decision has not been taken lightly. Councillors and Cabinet members have carefully reviewed independent analysis, and this proposal best meets the government’s criteria for reorganisation. It offers a logical geographic structure and will help prevent the fragmentation of vital services.
I am concerned about potential boundary changes that could break up parts of Gedling, we have a duty of care to all our residents. I am therefore pleased that Cabinet has agreed to move forward with the further development of this option to establish two new unitary councils that prioritise the best interests of our communities.”