Move to abolish Derbyshire councils thrown into doubt after plans ‘withdrawn’

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But the Government has now confirmed the Derbyshire plan – as well as others across the country – has been “withdrawn”.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.

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.”

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.”