Central government has announced plans to replace nine Nottinghamshire councils with two single-tier unitary authorities. Government officials met with council leaders and chief executives on 16 July 2026 to confirm the decision verbally, with a formal written announcement expected later.

The decision implements a proposal brought forward by Nottingham City Council. The reorganisation will affect Mansfield District Council, along with eight other councils across Nottinghamshire and Nottingham.

What happens next

In the short term, all services currently delivered by the nine councils will continue as normal with no immediate changes to residents or businesses.

Work will now begin on the transition to the two new unitary councils. Elections for these councils will take place in May 2027. Shadow authorities will be created ahead of the new councils being formally established in April 2028.

Any final decision must receive parliamentary approval before implementation.

How the decision was made

Local government reorganisation proposals were submitted to central government in November 2025. A statutory consultation took place between February and March 2026, followed by visits from officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Three different proposals were submitted. One came from Nottingham City Council. Another was jointly submitted by Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council. A third was submitted by Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council. Ashfield District Council did not express a preference. Broxtowe Borough Council did not support any of the proposals and requested the process be paused for more detailed consideration.

A joint spokesperson for all nine councils said: "We will continue to work together to ensure services continue and that residents and businesses remain our priority. We know this decision will generate significant reaction, especially in the media. We want to reassure everyone that this will not affect the day-to-day running of your local council, our services will continue and we are working closely with the thousands of staff who are coming on this LGR journey with us."

More information is available at www.lgrnotts.org.uk