For the first time in 50 years, the way our local council services are delivered is changing – this is known as local government reorganisation (LGR).
This page brings together key facts about the Government’s plans to reform local government in Derbyshire.
The page will be updated regularly as the process moves forward.
Background information
In late 2024, the Government published a white paper describing a national programme of devolution and reform to local government.
It means that the way local councils in England are organised is being fundamentally changed for the first time in 50 years.
In places like Derbyshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure.
This means that some services are delivered by a borough or district council, and others are provided by Derbyshire County Council. Within Derbyshire, Derby City Council is also a ‘unitary’ council.
Between them, these councils are responsible for a vast range of local services.
The county council provides things like social care for children and adults, education services and transport, while district and borough councils are responsible for services such as bin collections, planning, and leisure centres. Derby City Council provides all of these council services to the communities it serves.
This structure dates back to 1974. The way we live our lives has changed substantially since then, and the Government believes services could be delivered more efficiently and effectively by having fewer councils.
In February 2025, the Government asked local councils to work together to draw up initial proposals for new organisations that are:
- simpler and more efficient
- better value for money
- closer to communities
- able to deliver joined-up services
Various proposals were submitted to Government in November 2025.
All proposals were considered, together with the outcome of public consultation, and in July 2026 the Government set out its official decision - to abolish the current 10 councils and replace them with two new unitary councils to serve the county’s communities
How will local councils be organised in Derbyshire in the future?
Subject to formal parliamentary approval in Summer 2026, these two new unitary councils will be established from 1 April 2028.
The Northern unitary council will provide all services to people living in Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and North East Derbyshire.
The Southern unitary council will provide all services to people living in Derby, Erewash and South Derbyshire.
The boundary line between the new north and south councils in Derbyshire will split Amber Valley in two, with some parishes covered by the northern council and some covered by the southern council.
When will this happen?
Under the Government’s current timetable, the new unitary councils will not ‘go live’ until 1 April 2028.
Elections to a ‘shadow authority’ – which would oversee the transition to the new council – are due to take place in May 2027 (you can find out more about this in our Frequently Asked Questions).
What does this mean for services currently delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council?
There are no immediate changes to council services, and you should continue to access our services in the usual way.
Our priority remains delivering high-quality services for residents while we work through the next stage of the process
The Government’s decision marks the start of the next major stage of the programme to prepare for local government reorganisation.
Our priority remains to deliver high-quality services while working positively and constructively with all Derbyshire councils to ensure the transition is well planned, well managed and delivers the best possible outcomes for our residents and communities.
More information
Our Frequently Asked Questions include answers to some common questions.
We will continue to update this page as things move on.