The boundary of Nottingham city will be enlarged under a government plan to reorganise local government in Nottinghamshire, with parts of the surrounding boroughs to be merged into a newly created unitary authority.
Two new councils to replace nine
Under the proposals, a new body called Greater Nottingham Council will be formed by bringing parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe into the city. A second unitary authority, named Nottinghamshire Council, will cover the remaining areas of those boroughs together with the districts of Ashfield, Mansfield, Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood.
All nine of the county and city’s existing councils will be abolished as part of the change. The government has said the reorganisation is intended to streamline services and give residents a simpler way to find council information and support.
"This government is serious about creating new councils fit for the future, improving services for residents whilst delivering increased value for their council tax,"
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed MP, set out the government rationale in support of the scheme, describing it as a way to create "simple one stop shops for residents" and to give local communities a stronger voice.
Local leaders welcome change
Nottingham City Council’s leadership has backed the model — known during the review as Option Bii — which the council had formally preferred. The city council leader said the decision endorsed their long-held vision for reshaping services across the area.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government around the way people actually live their lives and to build a stronger future for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire,"
The council leader argued the new structure offers the best chance to grow and improve services for residents.
When changes take effect and what residents should expect
- Shadow elections for the two new authorities are expected to take place in May 2027.
- Powers and responsibilities will be formally transferred the following year, in 2028.
- An online postcode checker has been published so residents can see which new authority they will belong to.
The government argues the reorganisation will reduce duplication between neighbouring authorities and make it clearer for people where to access services. Supporters say unitary councils can simplify administration and potentially produce savings, while opponents of such changes typically warn about disruption, service uncertainty and local accountability during transition.
| New authority | Main areas included |
|---|---|
| Greater Nottingham Council | Nottingham city plus parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe |
| Nottinghamshire Council | Ashfield, Mansfield, Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood and remaining parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe |
For residents, practical questions will include which council will handle local planning decisions, waste collection, education oversight and social care. The shadow authorities set up after the 2027 elections will be responsible for preparing budgets, staffing arrangements and the transfer of services ahead of full implementation.
Further detail about specific ward boundaries and the exact lists of streets moving into each new authority can be checked via the published postcode tool. Residents with concerns about local services or council tax implications should contact their present council for advice while the transition arrangements are finalised.
This is a substantial reshaping of local government in the Nottingham area. With shadow elections less than a year away, the next stage will be the detailed work of setting up the new councils and explaining the changes to households and businesses across the county.
