On 6th February, the Government wrote to the Leaders and Chief Executives of all nine Councils in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, formally inviting them to submit proposals to create a new City and County-wide structure of unitary authorities.
What this means in practice is abolishing the current two-tier system of local authorities and creating fewer, unitary Councils with a higher population of residents, which would be responsible for providing all services in their area.
The invitation is part of a wider package of reorganising public services with the intention of reducing costs and improving services. The move away from the existing two-tier structure is aimed at streamlining local government and enhancing efficiency.
Councils have until 21st March to submit initial plans, and preparatory work across all nine local authorities has already started. This is the biggest shake-up of local government in 50 years, and following the initial plan, Councils will be asked to submit their final proposals by 28th November.
All nine councils will continue to work together in the public interest, exploring all options available that meet the Government’s requirements.