Local Government Reorganisation
Key terms explained
During times of change, we often start using new terms that become the 'norm', but might not always make sense. See below some brief explanations of what we mean, when we're using these new terms. We hope it helps to break down the jargon a bit.
What is local government reorganisation (LGR)?
You will often see this referenced as LGR! Local government reorganisation is the process by which the geographic remit and the roles and responsibilities of local authorities are restructured. As part of its plans for devolution, the Government announced a programme of local government reorganisation in areas with a ‘two-tier’ system (as currently exists in areas like Derbyshire), and also of small unitary councils (like the city council that covers Derby) that are part of or neighbour such areas. In short this means that under the Government’s plans, district, borough, county and small unitary councils will no longer exist. They will be replaced by new unitary councils which will provide all council services to the communities they cover.
What is a 'two tier' system?
Derbyshire is a two-tier area served by eight district and borough councils and a county council. You have 'lower tier' and 'upper tier' councils in a system like this.
The city of Derby is contained within the boundary of Derbyshire, but all council services are provided by Derby City Council, as this is already a unitary council.
In total, 10 different councils provide services across the county:
What are ‘Lower tier’ councils?
South Derbyshire District Council is a 'lower tier' Council, much like Erewash, Amber Valley or High Peak, for example.
Lower tier councils are responsible for services including:
▪ waste collection
▪ Recycling
▪ Housing
▪ benefits and council tax
▪ Planning
▪ leisure.
What is an ‘Upper tier’ council?
Derbyshire County Council is the 'upper tier council' for our area. It is responsible for services including:
▪ Education
▪ Transport
▪ social care
▪ Libraries
▪ waste management.
What is a Unitary council?
A ’unitary council’, like Derby City Council, is responsible for providing all council services to the communities it serves. Local Government Reorganisation aims to create unitary councils in Derbyshire, covering a bigger area and greater population.
What are town and parish councils?
Some areas also have town or parish councils, which are much smaller in scale and are responsible for services, facilities and public spaces within a community such as parks, village halls, allotments, litter bins, local events, etc. These councils are not covered by the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation and will not be directly impacted by the proposed changes.
What is a Structural Changes Order?
This is the Statutory Instrument that allows for the reorganisation of local government. It includes details specific to the area, for example, the new council name(s), elections, shadow council details and duties, transitional arrangements.
What is a Shadow Council?
This is the Council that will be elected in May 2027 to carry out the functions of the new unitary council, until that authority formally comes into effect ('vesting day'). The Shadow runs in tandem with our existing Council and prepares the authority to be safe and legal on ‘vesting day’, including ensuring continuity of public services delivery. It does not replace day to day decision making of existing authorities. The shadow council(s) in Derbyshire are expected to operate roughly from 10 May 2027 (shortly after shadow elections) to 31 March 2028.
What is ‘Vesting Day’?
This is the term used to describe the first day of the new authority. In Derbyshire, this will be 1 April 2028.