LGR update as uncertainty remains over project

A major plan to abolish 10 councils and restructure local government across Derbyshire has been thrown into further doubt.

In September it was announced an approved plan to split the whole county into two different councils  – a northern and southern divide – was placed on hold.

The Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) restructure would see Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire councils abolished and, with the upper half of Amber Valley (21 parishes), will form the northern council.

Meanwhile, Derby, Erewash and South Derbyshire councils would be scrapped and instead merge together to form a southern council with the lower half of Amber Valley (14 parishes) included.

The plan was named by officials “One Derbyshire Two Councils”.

But today (Thursday, October 29th) the Government has confirmed the Derbyshire plan – as well as others across the country – has been “withdrawn”.

But “all options remain under consideration” as a review continues – suggesting a restructure could still happen.

The Government says the aim of LGR is to simplify local government, enhance public services and save millions of pounds in the process.

But the Derbyshire plan proved controversial as it split Amber Valley down the middle into both the northern and southern authorities.

It was recently announced Amber Valley District Council had started a process with the possibility of legally challenging the decision. This followed the threat of legal action elsewhere across the country.

The further delay is bound to create more uncertainty over what local government and democracy will look like across the county in the coming years – especially with some councils having local elections next year.

It was originally hoped the new authorities would launch sometime in 2028. No time-frames have yet been decided on when new decisions will be taken.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Alan Graves, said: “While we were disappointed by the Government’s decision in September to pause plans for new unitary authorities while a review was undertaken, we welcome the additional time this provides to engage with Government on our preferred option for Uniting Derbyshire served by a single local authority.

“This has consistently been the county council’s preferred approach because it provides the strongest foundation for sustainable, high-quality services, delivers the greatest benefits from reorganisation, and avoids the disruption that would result from breaking up services that currently operate across the county.

“Ultimately, it is vital that any transition is managed carefully and responsibly, while ensuring services continue to be delivered safely and effectively. We will continue to work constructively with the Government and our local authority partners as the new timescales are developed and the options are reappraised.”

Jim McMahon OBE, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth said:  “Yesterday’s budget showed that we are committed to giving local leaders, local councils and local communities the tools to shape their own future.

“No areas want to see a return to two-ties once strong unitary councils are in place. The decisions that we take now will be the building blocks for how this country is governed for generations to come.”

At time of writing, it is understood an announcement from the Derbyshire councils involved was to be released in due course.

In Derby LGR has proved very controversial among the city’s political spectrum.

Last year opposition councillors walked out of a city council meeting in protest as they argued they had no say or influence in any of the decision making behind LGR.

There were also calls at one stage for a “Derbyshire Referendum” to take place on the issue but this was dismissed by the Government.

But Derby City Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield (Lab) has said there are benefits to LGR.

Speaking previously, she said: “Both new unitary councils will be financially viable, economically balanced and capable of delivering high-quality services. Moving to two unitaries will simplify access to services and make councils easier to deal with.”

Reform Derby leader Councillor Tim Prosser said following today’s announcement: “I’m pleased to see that the government are reconsidering the options for Derbyshire as part of the Local Government Reorganisation.

“There are great opportunities and a huge need to streamline and simplify council services across the region. Done right LGR can give us that opportunity.”

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, chair of the Local Government Association, which represents councils, said:  “All councils affected need urgent clarity on next steps and how costs already incurred will be met.

“Councils have already committed significant time, capacity and resources to this process, and all costs must be fully funded. Councils cannot be expected to bear the financial and staffing consequences of decisions beyond their control.”