“As Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, I want to reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with our partners to achieve the best outcomes for the communities we serve. A strong, inclusive economy and effective public services are at the heart of what we do, and we remain focused on delivering positive change for the residents and businesses of Amber Valley and Derbyshire.
“However, I was disappointed to learn that the Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Barry Lewis, chose to announce his position on local government reorganisation via social media without first engaging with district and borough council leaders across Derbyshire. This approach does little to foster the collaboration and consensus needed for such a significant discussion.
“My priority as the Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council will always be to put Amber Valley’s communities first, and I believe that any changes to local government structures must be guided by what is in their best interests. While I understand the government’s intention to pursue local government reorganisation on a national scale, I do not believe Derbyshire should be prioritised in the initial wave of reforms. Unlike areas without existing mayoral combined authorities, Derbyshire benefits from the East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority, which already provides a framework for regional collaboration.
“Councillor Lewis’s unilateral decision to advocate a single option for reorganisation at this stage is, in my view, premature. His decision would lead to the suspension of the scheduled May 2025 county council elections which is both concerning and unnecessary.
“Today, I have joined with fellow district and borough council leaders in signing a letter requesting an urgent meeting with the Minister to seek clarity on the government’s proposals. It is vital that we fully understand the implications of any potential changes before engaging in constructive discussions with both Councillor Lewis and the Leader of Derby City Council.
“For a decision as momentous as reorganising local government after five decades, it is essential to proceed with care, gathering all the necessary evidence and learning from the experiences of other regions. This must be a process driven by informed dialogue and collaboration, not haste.”
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
