As part of the Government’s statutory consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR), open until 26 March 2026, residents, organisations, and businesses are being asked for their views on how local councils should be restructured in Derby and Derbyshire.
This is a formal, legally required consultation before ministers decide whether and how to proceed with any changes.
There are several proposals being considered, submitted to the Government in November 2025, all of which fall into two broad models.
- One Unitary Council (County wide)
Proposed by Derbyshire County Council, this model would replace all existing councils with one single unitary authority covering the whole of Derbyshire and Derby. - Two Unitary Councils (North & South)
Supported by seven of Derbyshire’s district and borough councils together with Derby City Council, this model would create two new unitary councils covering the county, one in the north and one in the south, with slightly different boundary variations depending on where some districts (especially Amber Valley) would sit.
The ‘One Derbyshire, Two Councils’ plan includes four sub-proposals that differ on the configuration of northern and southern areas.
All models aim to replace the current two-tier system of county and district councils with single authorities responsible for all services, including planning, housing, regulatory functions, and community services.
What the Government Consultation Is & Why It’s Important
This consultation, run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), seeks views on each of the final proposals put forward for Derbyshire and Derby. The responses will help inform the Government’s decision on which model (if any) should be implemented, with a final decision expected in summer 2026.
Why Landlords Should Have Their Say
The way local government is structured has direct implications for landlords and the housing market, including:
- Housing policy and regulation: A new council structure could change how housing services, licensing and enforcement are delivered locally.
- Planning and development: Planning decisions (including new housing supply) may be streamlined or altered under a single council or two-council model.
- Consistency of services: Different unitary arrangements could affect how consistent regulations and fees are across neighbouring areas.
- Local financial decisions: Council tax, business rates support and investment priorities can vary under different governance models.
Having a voice in this consultation gives landlords, property investors, and housing stakeholders the opportunity to highlight practical issues they face, such as local housing demand, property standards, enforcement efficiency, and administrative costs, and to help shape future local government arrangements before the system changes.
Respond to the consultation by 26th March 2026:
https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/derbyshire-and-derby/