11,483 people have taken part in a public engagement survey about the future of
local government in Nottinghamshire.
The six-week survey, which closed on Sunday 14 September, invited residents,
businesses, and local organisations to share their views on the biggest shake-up to
local government in over 50 years, known as Local Government Reorganisation
(LGR). The survey was jointly conducted by all nine councils in Nottinghamshire
affected by government plans to create new ‘unitary authorities’.
The majority of responses were submitted online, although outreach events and
focus groups were also held to ensure the results reflected the diversity of
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Over 96% of respondents lived in Nottinghamshire, with responses received from all
nine affected areas. The highest number of responses came from Rushcliffe,
Broxtowe, and Gedling.
The survey explored people’s views on their local area, the effectiveness of current
council structures, their awareness of LGR, and the potential impact of the proposed
changes. Respondents were also asked to comment on the two options being put
forward by the councils.
Respondents highlighted the need for new councils to focus on delivering good
quality core and universal services like roads and pavements, crime/anti-social
behaviour, and clean streets. As well as highlighting the importance of involving
residents in decision-making. Pride in local areas came across strongly, alongside
the difference in the urban and rural geographies that needed to be considered.
The feedback gathered will inform the development of final proposals, which must be
submitted to government by 28 November 2025.
Under the LGR proposals, all nine existing local authorities would be abolished and
replaced with new unitary councils serving larger populations.
Information about proposals in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are available at
lgrnotts.org
A spokesperson said:
“We are very grateful to everyone who took part in this engagement process. It’s
vitally important that we hear from the public. This is the biggest shake-up in local
government in over 50 years, and every response will be reviewed. All data will be
available to the councils to support the proposals submitted to central government in
November.
It’s clear that people want to have their say, and the sheer number of responses has
given us a strong understanding of the future needs and priorities of
Nottinghamshire’s communities.”
The government will review the proposals before making a final decision on the LGR
option for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as well as other council areas across
England, in Summer 2026.
A supplementary engagement exercise was undertaken by Broxtowe Borough
Council, and results of that will be shared with local residents at a later date.
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