UPDATE: East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has officially stated her preference for four unitary authorities in the upcoming local government reorganisation (LGR), although she remains tight-lipped about her specific stance on new council boundaries. This critical announcement comes as the government prepares to seek the Mayor’s input on council restructuring in 2026.
During a recent interaction with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Ward emphasized her belief that having four authorities would provide much-needed stability and community identity, rather than reducing the number to three or two. “I think there should be four authorities, which allows that stability for the combined authority,” she stated, underscoring the importance of close community ties and sustainable governance.
The LGR will overhaul the existing local council structure, merging current councils into larger entities that can provide comprehensive services. This reform was announced by the Labour government in December and aims to streamline services for residents, particularly in regions like Nottingham, where residents currently navigate multiple councils for essential services.
Currently, Nottingham city residents rely solely on the Nottingham City Council, while those in Nottinghamshire County deal with both the county council and their district councils for services like roads, schools, bins, and parks. The proposed reshuffle aims to create a more efficient local governance system.
In November, current councils submitted their preferences for the new structure to the government, setting the stage for a significant shift in local governance. Ward confirmed, “The government will ask for a review,” indicating that she plans to engage with various authorities and consider their input before finalizing her recommendations.
However, Ward’s comments have sparked debate among local leaders. At a recent meeting of the Mansfield District Council, councillor Martin Wright remarked that the council’s preferences might ultimately hold little weight, as the decision rests with the Mayor and the government. Responding to this, Ward asserted her role in providing stability during the transition, saying, “We will provide the stability in this region as LGR takes place.”
Significantly, Ward expressed her support for the LGR initiative, highlighting public sentiment around governance. “If you asked the public whether they’d like fewer politicians, the answer is probably yes. If you asked them if they’d like a simpler system… they’d probably say yes,” she noted, emphasizing the desire for clarity in service delivery.
As the region gears up for these major changes, the implications of the LGR are profound. The proposed restructuring not only aims to simplify local governance but also promises potential savings that could be reinvested into frontline services.
Residents and local leaders alike are advised to stay informed as the situation develops. The next few months will be crucial as discussions unfold and the government’s decisions come to light. Mayor Ward’s upcoming evaluations will be pivotal in shaping the future of local governance in the East Midlands.
Expect further updates as this story develops, particularly as the government approaches its 2026 deadline for finalizing council boundaries.
