Local Government Reorganisation update – a Derbyshire County Council statement

Officials at Derbyshire County Council have issued a statement as part of a review of proposed local government reorganisation in the county.

The Government has today announced that the local government reorganisation options in Derbyshire are being reappraised, with a revised timetable and a later vesting day.

This will mean that elections for the new unitary authority or authorities will take place in 2028 with vesting day taking place in 2029. Meanwhile, the Government will look at the initial proposals submitted by councils and reappraise which option is the best fit for Derbyshire.

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.”