BREAKING: Nottinghamshire County Council has just confirmed its preferred plan for a major local government reorganization, aiming to merge Nottingham with Broxtowe and Gedling. This pivotal decision, made in a full council meeting on November 20, 2025, is set to reshape local governance as we know it by the target year of 2028.
The proposed merger is part of a broader initiative announced by the Labour Government in December 2024, which seeks to eliminate the current two-tier structure in Nottinghamshire. This shake-up aims to create fewer unitary authorities that would streamline services and enhance local governance. Nottinghamshire currently comprises nine local authorities, and this plan marks a significant turn towards a unified approach.
Councillors are racing against the clock, with the deadline to submit their preferred option to the government fast approaching on November 28. The council’s decision to collaborate with Rushcliffe Borough Council on this merger underscores its urgency. Councillor Neil Clarke (Con), who leads Rushcliffe Borough, labeled this a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to fundamentally improve governance and services for residents.
In a bold move, the proposed reorganization includes the establishment of “neighbourhood committees.” These committees would be designed to give local communities a real say in prioritizing area needs and funding, potentially leading to quicker and more effective council actions.
However, not everyone is on board. Opposition figures have raised significant concerns regarding the speed and rationale behind the government’s plans. Councillor Teresa Cullen (Brox Alliance) pointed to a recent consultation survey in Broxtowe, where 12,500 residents overwhelmingly rejected the merger option, with 71% stating their opposition. “These plans feel rushed and poorly thought out,” she stated, adding that the council should halt the process to reassess the situation.
Councillor Keith Girling (Con) echoed these sentiments, warning that Newark and Retford could face financial strain under the proposed governance structure, which might turn them into a “cash cow” for the rest of the unitary authority.
Despite the pushback, County Council leader Mick Barton is optimistic, asserting that the proposed merger “will work” and could lead to improvements that benefit residents for generations. “Most residents don’t even know what local government reorganization is,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a forward-thinking approach.
As the clock ticks down to the submission deadline, Nottingham City Council is also devising its own plan, which includes an expansion of the city boundary into select parts of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe. The evolving landscape of local governance in Nottinghamshire is poised for significant changes, and residents will be closely watching how these decisions unfold.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The impact of these changes will be felt across the county, shaping the future of local governance and services in Nottinghamshire.
