This page brings together key facts about the Government’s plans to significantly change the way local councils are set up across England, including in Derbyshire.
Here you’ll find information on what’s happening, the proposals being developed, answers to common questions, and how you can have your say. The page will be updated regularly as the process moves forward.
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, we also have Derby City Council which is a ‘unitary’ council providing all services to the communities it serves.
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:
Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils submitted a joint interim proposal to Government in March 2025. Working with the other district and borough councils and Derby City Council, we have done some further work to develop a proposal for consultation with the public.
Together we propose to create two new councils to serve our communities – one in the north and one in the south.
There are three possible options for how the area currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could be included in the new structure: placed entirely in the northern council, entirely in the southern council, or with different parishes joining each of the two councils, depending on where they may best fit.
We believe this approach will create councils which are big enough to deliver, but close enough to communities to listen and respond to local people.
This is a complex issue, but our key priority is to make sure the needs of our communities are met – proposing new structures that:
The Government has asked local councils to work together to draw up proposals for the areas they cover, in line with a range of criteria.
Our proposal would see Derbyshire's 10 existing councils be replaced by two new authorities:
Under the proposal, each of the two new councils will deliver all services in their local area.
There are three possible options for how the area currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could be included in the new structure: placed entirely in the northern council, entirely in the southern council, or with different parishes joining each of the two councils, depending on where they may best fit.
Option A: A north / south split of the county, with Amber Valley being part of the northern council
Northern council: Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire (Population: 584,000)
Southern council: Derby City, South Derbyshire, Erewash (Population: 494,000)
Option B: A north / south split of the county, with Amber Valley being part of the southern council
Northern council: High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover (Population: 456,000)
Southern council: South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley, Derby City (Population: 622,000)
Option C: A north / south split of the county, with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils, depending on where they best fit.
Northern council: High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover, parishes of Amber Valley* (Population: 567,000)
(*Joined by the following parishes of Amber Valley - Shipley, Heanor and Loscoe, Denby, Kilburn, Belper, Hazelwood, Shottle and Postern, Idridgehay and Alton, Ashleyhay, Alderwasley, Ripley, Codnor, Aldercar and Langley Mill, Ironville, Riddings, Somercotes, Alfreton, Swanwick, Pentrich, South Wingfield, Crich, Dethick, Lea, and Holloway.)
Southern council: Derby City, Erewash, South Derbyshire, parishes of Amber Valley* (Population: 511,000)
(*Joined by the following parishes of Amber Valley - Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Kedleston, Ravensdale Park, Weston Underwood, Quarndon, Turnditch and Windley, Duffield, Holbrook, Horsley, Horsley Woodhouse, Smalley, Mapperley.)
The map below shows the detail of option C - with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils, depending on where they best fit.
You can read our One Derbyshire, two councils information booklet or visit our frequently asked questions section for more information about what’s happening, what’s being proposed and how you can have your say on the plans.
Our proposal is out for public consultation from Monday 30 June to Sunday 10 August 2025.
It’s your opportunity to share your views before any final decisions are made.
Take part to have your say at https://bit.ly/Derbyshire-consultation.
The results of the consultation will be used to shape our final proposal to the Government in November 2025.
A Government decision on the final proposals that are submitted for Derbyshire is not expected until spring 2026.
We will keep you updated as things move along - updates will be added to this page and our social media.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
