Agenda item

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive which sought to provide Members with the latest position in respect of local government reorganisation following the submission to Government in November 2025.

It was noted that the Cabinet had considered this matter at their meeting held on 26 November and had agreed to endorse the submission of the Final Proposal for a new unitary structure of local government for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. All Members of the Council had been invited to attend a presentation on the content of the Final Proposal held on 18 November 2025. The report set out the timetable of the next steps following the submission of the proposal to Government.

MHCLG had provided an initial list of statutory consultees as contained in Appendix A to the report.  The Council were working with them to ensure that all relevant parties were identified and contact details provided. There were a broad range of organisations across health, education, business, the voluntary sector, and other public sector and national bodies.  To help guide councils with a starting point of what the next steps were after submission, MHCLG had shared a list which was attached as Appendix B to the report, which had been developed with input from sector advisers, Local Partnerships and the Local Government Association. It was based on current and previous experience of LGR and was intended to be iterative rather than exhaustive.

A letter had also been received today regarding LGR from Alison McGovern – Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness.

A Member raised concern regarding the design of the consultation and how it had been handled.  Parish and Town Council representation needed to be taken into consideration.  Concern was also raised regarding the proposed reduction of multi–Member Wards, it was felt unacceptable for multi-Member Wards to be reduced.  It was commented that under LGR the new Council would have this Council and NCC to represent, Members could not work 24/7 on Council business, multi-Member Wards were required for Members to represent their constituents effectively.

The Chief Executive confirmed that ward arrangements in the 2027 shadow elections would be temporary and would be reviewed in the following two to three years.

A Member sought clarification regarding whether the Chief Executive would be involved with the MHCLG Listening Meetings and what emphasis would he be taking responsibility for.  The Chief Executive confirmed that he would be involved in the Listening Meeting and would represent the feedback from local areas regarding their requirements. A presentation would be ready separated in different parts, showing sensible geography, neighbourhoods etc and would be well represented at that session.  The Chief Executive commented that there were limitations with consultations, the Council needed to get into conversations with people face to face.  The Business Manager for Elections and Democratic Services had met with the Boundary Commission and asked for the Council to have an input into the boundary warding.  A lot of work had been undertaken and submitted to the Boundary Commission to date.

A Member sought clarification regarding any update or indication what will happen for NSDC Members between 2027/28.  The Chief Executive confirmed that several exchanges had taken place with MHCLG and there was a clear assumption that there would be a Shadow election May 2027.  Members terms of office would be extended by one year.

In answer to the Chair’s question, the Transformation and Service Improvement Officer confirmed that briefings and communication would be cascaded to Town and Parish Councils.

AGREED     that the progress update provided in respect of local government reorganisation be noted.