Public Engagement Backs North – South Split for New Councils in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

From 1 April 2028, two new councils are set to replace the existing nine councils across Nottinghamshire to save money and improve public services. An independently run survey carried out over a period of six-weeks and supported by four focus groups found that creating a new Unitary council covering Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Ashfield, and Gedling and another covering Broxtowe, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe was the public’s preferred option.

Around a third of all respondents viewed this north and south arrangement as the best available solution to Government plans to reorganise the nine councils across Nottinghamshire.

People felt that the clear North–South split better reflected the way local communities live, work, and connect across the city and county, with one resident summing things up like this: “On the face of it this seems like a more logical and fair option, a more natural split between the north and the south of the county.”

In response, the Leaders of Bassetlaw District Council, Mansfield District Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Gedling Borough Council are calling for Government to back the proposals.

Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Cllr Paul Peacock said:

“I’m reassured but not surprised by the results. Local residents have sent a clear message back to us that the communities of mid and north Nottinghamshire have their own sense of community and identity. In designing two new councils, we have to demonstrate “sensible geography” and it’s clear that residents see the sense in creating one new council for the north and the other for the south.

“There isn’t a perfect solution to local government re-organisation but this is a chance in a lifetime to create two brand new councils that offer better value for money and are genuinely in touch with the people they serve. To create a council that stretches from Worksop in the north to almost Loughborough in the south is not “sensible geography”. And to propose that places like West Bridgford, Trent Bridge and the City Ground should be in a council with Retford and Mansfield but not Nottingham makes no sense in my view. Doing nothing is not an option so I sincerely hope that all Nottinghamshire Councils and the Government will ultimately back one council for the north, and one for the south of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.” 

Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Julie Leigh said:

“I’d like to thank the residents of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for taking the time to share their views on local government re-organisation. This feedback will help shape the final proposals to government in November. A North-South split better reflects our communities across the whole of the County and City areas and that’s why we are calling on Government to back this proposal. It is a sensible division of both population and resources and will ensure that the two new councils will be both viable and representative of the people they will serve.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke said:

“The response to the engagement has been extremely positive, with thousands of residents taking part in the survey. The results are in line with our expectations, people recognise that an option showing a North-South split is the one that makes sense. From the outset, we’ve been clear that we would follow the data and work together to create the best option for our residents. These results will help shape the proposal we put forward to government, and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say on this incredibly important issue.”

Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams said:

“It is encouraging to see that option 1e has attracted more support than option 1b, with around a third of respondents recognising it as the stronger choice. People have told us they value the clearer North–South split and the geographic logic it offers – a more natural and fair division of the county that helps keep communities together, respecting shared culture and history.

“A successful new unitary authority must be built on sensible geography, with strong transport and digital links, while also being large enough to deliver an effective highways network and achieve efficiencies in the way services are run. When you look at the two options side by side, option 1e – bringing together Mansfield, Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Newark & Sherwood, and Gedling – is clearly the closest fit. These five communities share similar challenges and opportunities, and we have already demonstrated how well we can work together, with our council’s openly debating the pros and cons before giving their democratic backing to 1e as the preferred option.

“This momentum gives us a strong foundation as we move forward into the business case submission on 28 November, ensuring that the voices of our residents remain at the heart of shaping a stronger future for our place.”

The full report can be found online via: Nottingham and Nottinghamshire LGR Engagement - Final report (PDF File, 1,441kb)