Local Government Reorganisation

On Thursday 16 July 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that from 1 April 2028, South Derbyshire District Council will cease to exist.

From that day forward (‘Vesting Day’), the Council will instead form part of a larger Unitary authority, joining together with colleagues from South Derbyshire, Derbyshire, Derby City, Erewash and the southern side of Amber Valley.


The process so far
 

In late 2024, the Government published a white paper describing a national programme of devolution and reform to local government. It means that the way local councils in England are organised is being fundamentally changed for the first time in 50 years. 

In places like Derbyshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure. This means that some services are delivered by a borough or district council, and others are provided by Derbyshire County Council. Within Derbyshire, Derby City Council is also a ‘unitary’ council. 

Between them, these councils are responsible for a vast range of local services. The county council provides things like social care for children and adults, education services and transport, while district and borough councils are responsible for services such as bin collections, planning, and leisure centres. Derby City Council provides all of these council services to the communities it serves. 

This structure dates back to 1974. The way we live our lives has changed substantially since then, and the Government believes services could be delivered more efficiently and effectively by having fewer councils. 

In February 2025, the Government asked local councils to work together to draw up initial proposals for new organisations that are: 

  • simpler and more efficient 

  • better value for money 

  • closer to communities 

  • able to deliver joined-up services.

Consultation was carried out with local people in the Summer of 2025, during which we presented our plans for a submission to Government.

Find out more here on the consultation and our submission to Government on 28 November 2025: One Derbyshire, Two Councils 

 

What next? The timeline 

 

Now the decision has been made, work continues to prepare the Council and our neighbouring authorities for the next phase of local government reorganisation. We will work in collaboration with our partners across Derbyshire to ensure this transition is well managed, while maintaining  our commitment to delivering high quality services to our residents.

Key milestones in this process are outlined below:

  • Government decision - 16 July 2026
  • Structural Changes Order* - Winter 2026 
  • Shadow Elections* - May 2027
  • Vesting Day* - 1 April 2028. 

*There are a few references above that are new to most people that haven't been through this process before - have a read through our Key Terms Explained page to find out more.