Local Government Reorganisation plans paused for Derby and Derbyshire and neighbouring counties

The Derbyshire LGR decision map. Image from One Derbyshire Two Councils.

After the Government launched a review of local government reorganisation, it has been revealed that plans in Derby and Derbyshire are amongst a list of areas where plans are to be paused.

In some areas of the country, plans have been withdrawn completely.  Communities Secretary, Angela Rayner was expected to announce the plans in Parliament later on Monday 7th September, although Ms Rayner has already been quoted as saying that she wants to be satisfied that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and complies with all elements of applicable law.

She is also quoted as saying that she wants to test whether Government proposals for a review of local government are in line with priorities for the new Labour administration under Andy Burnham.

The original plans for Local Government Reorganisation came via the Labour Government when it was run by Sir Keir Starmer, at a time when Ms Rayner was also in the role of secretary for local goverment.

Legal challenges have been made in some parts of the country, and the make up of authorities and responsibilities of the same in some parts of the country is understood to be complex.

There are different types of councils in the UK from town and parish, district and county to unitary authorities.   Derby and Derbyshire fall in a list of 14 areas where a local government reorganisation is to be paused, along with Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland as well as Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The reorganisation was expected to apply from April 2028.