Our One Derbyshire, two Councils public consultation is now closed. It ran from Monday 30 June to Sunday 10 August 2025.
The future of councils in Derbyshire – local government reorganisation
This page brings together key facts about the Government’s plans to significantly change the way local councils are set up across England, including in Derbyshire.
Here you’ll find information on what’s happening, the proposals being developed, answers to common questions, and how you could have your say in a consultation that ran until 10 August. The page will be updated regularly as the process moves forward.
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, we also have Derby City Council which is a ‘unitary’ council providing all services to the communities it serves.
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.
Our approach
Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils submitted a joint interim proposal to Government in March 2025. Working with the other district and borough councils and Derby City Council, we have done some further work to develop a proposal for consultation with the public.
Together we propose to create two new councils to serve our communities – one in the north and one in the south.
There are three possible options for how the area currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could be included in the new structure: placed entirely in the northern council, entirely in the southern council, or with different parishes joining each of the two councils, depending on where they may best fit.
We believe this approach will create councils which are big enough to deliver, but close enough to communities to listen and respond to local people.
This is a complex issue, but our key priority is to make sure the needs of our communities are met – proposing new structures that:
- keep 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 – and the staff and funding to continually improve the services residents receive
- protect Derbyshire’s historic boundaries in terms of the area councils cover – including the city of Derby, which is a key centre of economic growth
- meet the Government’s criteria for reorganisation – if we don’t, or where agreement can’t be reached, Government has indicated it will impose a solution that they think works best for Derbyshire
Our proposal
The Government has asked local councils to work together to draw up proposals for the areas they cover, in line with a range of criteria. Our proposal would see Derbyshire's 10 existing councils be replaced by two new authorities:
- A council for northern Derbyshire
- A council for southern Derbyshire
Under the proposal, each of the two new councils will deliver all services in their local area.
There are three possible options for how the area currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could be included in the new structure: placed entirely in the northern council, entirely in the southern council, or with different parishes joining each of the two councils, depending on where they may best fit:
Option A
A north / south split of the county, with Amber Valley being part of the northern council
Northern council: Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire (Population: 584,000) Southern council: Derby City, South Derbyshire, Erewash (Population: 494,000)
Option B
A north / south split of the county, with Amber Valley being part of the southern council
Northern Council: High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover (Population: 456,000)
Southern Council: South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley, Derby City (Population: 622,000)
Option C
A north / south split of the county, with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils, depending on where they best fit.
Northern Council: High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover (Population: 567,000) - joined by the following parishes of Amber Valley - Shipley, Heanor and Loscoe, Denby, Kilburn, Belper, Hazelwood, Shottle and Postern, Idridgehay and Alton, Ashleyhay, Alderwasley, Ripley, Codnor, Aldercar and Langley Mill, Ironville, Riddings, Somercotes, Alfreton, Swanwick, Pentrich, South Wingfield, Crich, Dethick, Lea, and Holloway.
Southern Council: Derby City, Erewash, South Derbyshire (Population: 511,000) - joined by the following parishes of Amber Valley - Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Kedleston, Ravensdale Park, Weston Underwood, Quarndon, Turnditch and Windley, Duffield, Holbrook, Horsley, Horsley Woodhouse, Smalley, Mapperley.
The map below shows the detail of option C - with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils, depending on where they best fit.
Local Government Reorganisation booklet
You can read our Local Government Reorganisation booklet [PDF 2.7MB] or visit our frequently asked questions section below for more information about what’s happening and what’s being proposed.
Where we are now, and next steps
Our proposal went out for public consultation from Monday 30 June to Sunday 10 August 2025.
It was an opportunity to share your views before any final decisions are made. The results of the consultation will be used to shape our final proposal to the Government in November 2025.
A Government decision on the final proposals that are submitted for Derbyshire is not expected until spring 2026.
We will keep you updated as things move along – if you would like to keep up with the latest information about local government reorganisation in Derbyshire, please sign up for our newsletter.
FAQS
What is devolution?
In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government.
The current Government has made devolution a priority and set out plans to create a new network of Strategic Authorities that will cover the whole of England by 2029. The new authorities will be led by elected mayors and will cover a number of local council areas.
Derbyshire is already covered by a strategic authority, since the election of the East Midlands Mayor and establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority in 2024.
The Government explained these plans in an English Devolution White Paper, published in December 2024.
This paper also set out plans for local government reorganisation.
What is local government reorganisation?
Local government reorganisation is the process by which the geographic remit and the roles and responsibilities of local authorities are restructured.
The decision to launch a local government reorganisation process was taken by central government, which wants to simplify how councils are organised across the whole of England and make them more efficient, reducing costs while delivering better and more joined-up services.
This affects areas with a ‘two-tier’ system (as currently exists in areas like Derbyshire), and also areas which have small unitary councils (like the city council that covers Derby).
In short this means that under the Government’s plans, district, borough, county and small unitary councils will be replaced by new unitary councils which will provide all council services to the communities they cover.
The Government believes that local government reorganisation, together with devolution over a larger strategic area, will improve public services and support economic growth.
What is the current structure of local government in Derbyshire?
Derbyshire is a two-tier area served by eight district and borough councils and a county council.
The city of Derby is contained within the boundary of Derbyshire, but all council services are provided by Derby City Council, which is already a unitary council.
In total, 10 different councils provide services across the county:
‘Lower tier’ councils
The lower tier councils covering different areas of Derbyshire are Amber Valley Borough Council, Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Erewash Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council
Lower tier councils are responsible for services including:
- rubbish collection
- recycling
- housing
- benefits and council tax
- planning
- leisure
‘Upper tier’ council – Derbyshire County Council
Upper tier councils are responsible for services including:
- education
- transport
- social care
- libraries
- waste management
Unitary councils – Derby City Council
A ’unitary council’ is responsible for providing all council services to the communities it serves. Each of the 10 councils has its own political leadership and senior management team and sets its own share of the Council Tax bill.
Town and parish councils
Some areas also have town or parish councils which are much smaller in scale and are responsible for services, facilities and public spaces within a community such as parks, village halls, allotments, litter bins, local events, etc.
These councils are not covered by the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation and will not be directly impacted by the proposed changes.
What does this mean for the Derbyshire Dales?
Unless there is a complete reversal of the policy set out in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, there is currently no route by which we (or Derbyshire County Council or any other of the borough / district councils listed above) can continue to operate as a council in the future.
As things stand, we will become part of a larger unitary council. Most new unitary authorities are expected to be in place by April 2028.
Be reassured that we will continue to put our communities first – and our services will continue to operate as normal until then – while we work through the local government reorganisation process alongside our partners.
Can councils opt out of this process?
We cannot opt out. All councils must follow the process that is set out in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, and ‘no change’ is not an option.
The Government has been clear that it wants all councils in two-tier areas and neighbouring smaller unitary councils to bring forward proposals for reorganisation. It intends to deliver this process as quickly as possible, including through legislation, where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.
What is timeline for this to happen?
Below are the key dates within the Government’s current timetable:
March 2025 – Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils submitted a joint interim proposal to Government, in line in March 2025. Some further work was done to develop the options within this proposal. The updated proposal is subject to public consultation.
30 June to 10 August 2025 – public consultation and engagement about our proposals took place with communities across Derbyshire to help shape a final proposal, which must be submitted for review by Government in November.
28 November 2025 – final proposals must be submitted to Government.
Spring 2026 – Government has indicated they will provide feedback on the final proposals setting out next steps (including when we can expect a final decision on the future model of unitary local government for Derbyshire to be made). This could include further statutory consultation on the proposal.
2027 – Subject to the Government decision, elections to a new ‘shadow’ council will take place.
2028 – most new unitary councils are expected to be in place by 2028, under the Government’s current timetable for local government reorganisation.
What is the Government’s criteria for unitary local government proposals?
Government set out criteria which local councils must follow when drawing up proposals, which include:
- a proposal should seek to achieve the establishment of a single tier of local government for the whole of the area concerned
- new councils must be the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks
- new councils must prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens
- proposals should show how existing councils in the area have sought to work together in coming to a view that meets local needs and is informed by local views
- new council structures must support devolution arrangements (in Derbyshire, this means working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority
- new councils should enable stronger community engagement and deliver genuine opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment
What if councils don’t agree on one plan?
The Government has said it would like all existing councils to work together and ideally reach agreement on the best way forward. However, Government anticipates that in many county areas different final proposals will be submitted.
Who will have the final say?
The final decision on proposals for local government reorganisation will be taken by the Government.
Council leaders are responsible for holding discussions with other council leaders in Derbyshire and Derby – and engaged with local communities – to help produce full proposals by 28 November 2025.
These proposals must be supported by evidence that shows they meet the Government’s criteria.
What is your proposal for local government reorganisation in Derbyshire?
Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils submitted a joint interim proposal to Government in March 2025.
Working with the other district and borough councils and Derby City Council, we have done some further work to develop a proposal for consultation with the public. Our proposal would see Derbyshire's 10 existing councils be replaced by two new authorities:
- A council for northern Derbyshire
- A council for southern Derbyshire
Under the proposal, each of the two new councils will deliver all services in their local area.
There are three possible options for how the area currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could be included in the new structure: placed entirely in the northern council, entirely in the southern council, or with different parishes joining each of the two councils, depending on where they may best fit.
Option A
A north / south split of the county, with Amber Valley being part of the northern council
Northern council: Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire (Population: 584,000) Southern council: Derby City, South Derbyshire, Erewash (Population: 494,000)
Benefits: Potential to boost the economic potential and output (Gross Value Added) of the northern council area Aligns with current health and police structures
Constraints: Northern council covers a large geographical area which may create service delivery challenges and loss of efficiencies Growth northwest of the city may add additional financial pressures to the southern council Potential imbalance in the demands for social care on each council
Option B
A north / south split of the county, with Amber Valley being part of the southern council
Northern Council: High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover (Population: 456,000) Southern Council: South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley, Derby City (Population: 622,000)
Benefits: More equal geographical areas Provides growth potential for both councils Better reflects commuting patterns
Constraints: Disparity in population and the economic potential and output (Gross Value Added) between council area
Option C
A north / south split of the county, with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils, depending on where they best fit.
Northern Council: High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover (Population: 567,000) - joined by the following parishes of Amber Valley - Shipley, Heanor and Loscoe, Denby, Kilburn, Belper, Hazelwood, Shottle and Postern, Idridgehay and Alton, Ashleyhay, Alderwasley, Ripley, Codnor, Aldercar and Langley Mill, Ironville, Riddings, Somercotes, Alfreton, Swanwick, Pentrich, South Wingfield, Crich, Dethick, Lea, and Holloway.
Southern Council: Derby City, Erewash, South Derbyshire (Population: 511,000) - joined by the following parishes of Amber Valley - Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Kedleston, Ravensdale Park, Weston Underwood, Quarndon, Turnditch and Windley, Duffield, Holbrook, Horsley, Horsley Woodhouse, Smalley, Mapperley.
Benefits: More balanced population and demand for services between the council areas
Constraints: Potentially more complex to split between the north and south, including the need for boundary changes. Disaggregation of services may be more complex.
The map below shows the detail of option C - with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils, depending on where they best fit.
Why do you think creating two unitary councils is the best option for Derbyshire?
This is a complex issue, but our key priority is to make sure the needs of our communities are met – proposing new councils that:
- keep 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 – and the staff and funding to continually improve the services residents receive
- protect Derbyshire’s historic boundaries in terms of the area councils cover – including the city of Derby, which is a key centre of economic growth
- meet the Government’s criteria for reorganisation – if we don’t, or where agreement can’t be reached, Government has indicated it will impose a solution that they think works best for Derbyshire
- has indicated it will impose a solution that they think works best for Derbyshire
What are the benefits of your proposals?
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.
The two new councils will collaborate where it makes sense to do so but can also tailor services to the needs of the local the areas they serve.
Opportunities for savings
Early forecasts suggest this restructure could save between £56m - £93m* in the long term through:
- Reduced duplication of services
- Fewer council buildings
- Fewer councillors and senior managers
- Better economies of scale
Maintains Derbyshire’s historic border
Our proposal protects Derbyshire’s historic boundaries in terms of the area councils cover – including the city of Derby, which is a key centre of economic growth.
Creates new opportunity for our future
At a strategic level, reorganisation offers opportunities to:
- Eliminate artificial boundaries that can hamper service delivery
- Create stronger local leadership with enhanced capacity for transformation and modernisation
- Develop more strategic approaches to economic development, regeneration and county-wide infrastructure development
- Improve coordination between local services and external partners
- Strengthen Derbyshire's voice in regional and national forums
The new councils will also be able to work more efficiently with the new East Midlands Mayor and East Midlands Combined County Authority, which guides large-scale investment across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Meets Government criteria
Importantly, this approach also meets the Government’s criteria for reorganisation – if councils don’t come up with a viable proposal for their areas, the Government has indicated it will impose (through legislation) a solution that it think works for Derbyshire.
Have you considered other options?
Leaders of the district and borough councils, together with Derby City Council, have been working together in response to the Government’s request for proposals for local government reorganisation.
A range of potential options were explored and assessed in line with our priority to put people and places first, along with the Government’s criteria for reorganisation.
We believe the proposal and options we have set out put us in the strongest position to create councils which are big enough to deliver, but close enough to listen and respond to our communities.
Are there any other proposals for Derbyshire?
Derbyshire County Council submitted a separate initial proposal to the Government in March 2025, which would also see Derbyshire split into two unitary councils – one new council covering all of Derbyshire (except Derby city), and the current Derby City Council. This was submitted before the change in the political administration at the county council in May 2025. The new DCC administration is currently (August 2025) exploring options to combine the 10 existing councils into 2 new councils which would provide all services in a particular area, though with some differences to our three options. One of the County Council's options envisages Derbyshire Dales being split between north and south, with Ashbourne and southern parishes being part of the new southern council. In all of the three options proposed by the eight districts and Derby City council, the entire Derbyshire Dales would be in the northern council area.
How will these changes be paid for?
Initial estimates suggest that the one-off costs to move services and set up the two new councils could be between £15m - £25m*. This will be funded from a mix of existing council reserves and Government support.
* Note: These figures are estimated using figures of similar Local Government Reorganisations. They do not take account of Derbyshire’s particular circumstances and are indicative only.
Which services would the new councils provide?
Each of the two new councils would provide all council services to their area, rather than being split between the two tiers of local government as currently happens.
What will it mean for my council services?
If you live in a borough or district, where services are split between a district or borough and the county council, it means your services will ultimately be provided by a single ‘unitary’ council. If you live in Derby, all your services will continue to be provided by a single council, but the area covered by the council might change.
Will you be closing any of the main council offices?
We are committed to ensuring councils have a strong and visible presence in their communities. However, there will definitely be opportunities to rationalise our ‘assets’ including council offices and we will consider this as part of the development of our plans.
Will Council Tax go up or down following reorganisation?
The new councils would not take over until April 2028 and it’s too early to say what would happen then as many other factors affect levels of Council Tax.
How can I have a say on the proposals?
Council services have an impact on the everyday lives of people and organisations across our communities – and it’s important that local people have a say about how these services are delivered in the future.
You could have your say in our public consultation that ran between Monday 30 June and Sunday 10 August 2025. Those views will be used to shape our final proposal to the Government in November 2025.Our consultation sought views from people across the whole of Derbyshire, including residents, businesses, and our workforce, as well as the various partner organisations and community / voluntary groups that we routinely work with.
Once a proposal has been submitted, it will be for the Government to decide on whether it should be taken forward.
Who carried out the consultation?
The consultation was conducted on behalf of Derbyshire’s eight borough and district council, and Derby City Council, by an independent and specialist research company called Public Perspectives. This is to ensure the consultation process was robust and impartial.
Were my personal details protected?
Your personal details were managed securely and within data protection laws. Your responses were anonymous and confidential, which means your personal information will not be reported alongside your answers. Each of the partner council privacy notices will apply and anonymised data was shared between councils. Please read Public Perspectives' privacy notice.
