The Government has confirmed that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will continue in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with a revised decision expected by early 2027 following a wider review of its national programme.
The announcement, made on 29 October 2026, confirms that previous ministerial decisions relating to a number of areas have been withdrawn and will be reconsidered as part of the review.
For Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the Government has confirmed that the process will continue, with all previously submitted proposals remaining under consideration and assessed against the original criteria.
The withdrawal of the previous decision does not mean that Local Government Reorganisation has been cancelled. The Government has confirmed that it will approach the next stage of the process with an open mind, with a new decision expected by early 2027.
Throughout the review period, the nine local authorities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have continued to work collaboratively and will maintain this approach as the process moves forward.
A spokesperson on behalf of the nine councils said:
“While it is disappointing that a final decision has been delayed, we welcome the further clarity provided by government on the next stage of the Local Government Reorganisation process.
“Our priority remains unchanged. We will continue to deliver vital services for residents, businesses and communities while ensuring we are appropriately prepared for whatever decision government ultimately reaches.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively and constructively across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and with government, to ensure our area is in the strongest possible position for the future. We will continue preparing for implementation of any future arrangements and will share further updates as they become available.”
What happens next?
The Government has also confirmed the proposed timetable for local elections and the transition to any new local government arrangements.
Local elections will take place in May 2027 using existing council boundaries. Councillors elected at these elections will continue to serve their current authorities until vesting day in April 2029.
Elections for shadow unitary authorities are expected to take place in May 2028, ahead of the new councils formally coming into effect in April 2029.
There is no immediate change to local government arrangements or the services currently provided to residents and businesses.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said:
“I’m disappointed that a final decision on Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s LGR future has been withdrawn. I have been clear all along that LGR represents a once-in-a generation opportunity to shape our region, so it works for the people who live here.
“We submitted a robust and evidence-based case, and I believe that our proposal offered the best route to stronger, more sustainable local government, better services for residents, and greater opportunities for growth across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
“I know that further uncertainty is not good for our residents or our workforce. We will continue to engage positively with the process, and I will be writing to government at the earliest opportunity so that we understand what this means for Nottingham.
“For residents, there is no immediate change to local government or to the services we provide. Our focus remains on delivering for Nottingham people, ensuring that we are in the strongest possible position when the government reaches its final decision.”
The nine councils will continue working together and preparing for the implementation of any future arrangements while awaiting the Government’s revised decision, expected by early 2027.
Further information:
- Government provides further update on Local Government Reorganisation – Nottinghamshire County Council
- Statement from Councillor Neghat Khan on Local Government Reorganisation – Nottingham City Council
Posted on 30 October 2026
