Local leaders to consider final proposal for Derbyshire services
District, borough and city councillors are set to formally consider a proposal responding to Government plans for the biggest change to councils in 50 years.
The proposal, developed by eight districts and borough councils along with Derby City Council, recommends reducing the number of local authorities from 10 to two unitary councils. This would mean one for the north and one for the south of Derbyshire.
These new councils would:
- Stay connected to communities—large enough to deliver, close enough to listen.
- Offer effective, value-for-money services with financial stability.
- Preserve Derbyshire’s identity, heritage, and environment.
- Meet Government criteria for reorganisation, including improved service quality, community engagement, efficiency, and support for devolution.
Shaped by local and national evidence and feedback from over 7,300 residents and organisations, the proposal includes four boundary options. In two, Amber Valley parishes could sit between the two councils.
The proposal includes four variations for the boundary line between the northern and southern authorities. In two of these variations, the parishes currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could sit between the two councils.
In a joint statement, the Leaders of Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derby City, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, High Peak, North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire councils, said:
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to significantly transform how we deliver the services that local people rely on – creating a brighter future for all who live, work, and invest in Derbyshire.
“The people and places of our historic county are at the heart of our proposal, and our shared vision will see a future where services are simpler, communities feel supported, and every part of our county thrives.
“We will unify Derbyshire’s current patchwork of policy, planning, and funding – paving the way for joined-up decision-making and localised support to better serve local needs.
“As well as better meeting the needs of our diverse communities, by working with our regional partners, including the Mayor of the East Midlands and East Midlands Combined County Authority, the new councils will also be well positioned to attract significant investment in housing, transport, and infrastructure to strengthen Derbyshire’s economy, and provide more opportunities for local people.
“This is a hugely complex issue with a lot to consider. But – above all – we want every Derbyshire resident to share a sense of belonging and opportunity in a vibrant, prosperous county.
“The final proposal must now be formally considered by all nine of the partner councils, before a submission is made to the Government.”
The proposal forecasts:
- £167m in savings over six years
- £44m annual savings from year six onward
- Initial setup costs recouped within 3.5 years
Each of the nine councils will consider the proposal before submitting it to Government by 28 November 2025.
Derbyshire County Council is preparing a separate proposal, but all ten councils have collaborated to ensure accurate data.
The Government will review submissions and decide on reorganisation by summer 2026. Elections for new shadow authorities are expected in 2027, with the new councils launching by April 2028.
