Local Government Reform
Ollie's update 03/06/2025
High Peak Borough Councillors voted unanimously to support an interim proposal for a North Derbyshire Unitary Authority at an Extraordinary Meeting of High Peak Borough Council on Wednesday 19th March. The interim proposal received cross-party backing.
The new North Derbyshire Unitary Authority would consist of High Peak, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. This would be accompanied by a South Derbyshire Unitary Authority, incorporating Derby City, Erewash, Amber Valley, and South Derbyshire. Another variation under consideration would see Amber Valley join the North instead.
The interim proposal was officially submitted to Central Government on Friday 21st March. It will then be further developed by Derbyshire’s eight District and Borough Councils, plus Derby City Council. An invitation for Derbyshire County Council to join these discussions remains open.
For balance, another option still on the table is a single Derbyshire-wide Unitary Authority covering the whole county, excluding Derby City. This is the model currently being pursued by Derbyshire County Council who do not support the North/South model.
For clarity, Central Government, the Civil Service, and Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, have made clear that they are not in favour of High Peak joining Greater Manchester. This is primarily due to their reluctance to amend the newly established East Midlands Combined County Authority. Combined with the submission of the Derbyshire based proposal, this has effectively ruled out the possibility of High Peak becoming part of Greater Manchester.
A public consultation is expected to take place in early summer to enable local residents, staff, partner public bodies, voluntary sector organisations and other key stakeholders to have their say. A full proposal is set to be submitted to Central Government by Friday 28thNovember 2025.
If you would like to read the interim proposal in full, you can find it here:
https://democracy.highpeak.gov.uk/documents/s45356/Appendix%20D.pdf
For balance, Derbyshire County Council’s alternative proposal is available here:
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news-events/news-updates/news/we-move-forward-with-our-proposals-to-keep-derbyshire-together-under-local-government-reform-plans.aspx
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or thoughts regarding the interim proposal or local government reorganisation in general.
You're always welcome to get in touch via email:[email protected], or alternatively, please feel free to give me a bell on 07813 969399.
High Peak Borough Councillors voted unanimously to support an interim proposal for a North Derbyshire Unitary Authority at an Extraordinary Meeting of High Peak Borough Council on Wednesday 19th March. The interim proposal received cross-party backing.
The new North Derbyshire Unitary Authority would consist of High Peak, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. This would be accompanied by a South Derbyshire Unitary Authority, incorporating Derby City, Erewash, Amber Valley, and South Derbyshire. Another variation under consideration would see Amber Valley join the North instead.
The interim proposal was officially submitted to Central Government on Friday 21st March. It will then be further developed by Derbyshire’s eight District and Borough Councils, plus Derby City Council. An invitation for Derbyshire County Council to join these discussions remains open.
For balance, another option still on the table is a single Derbyshire-wide Unitary Authority covering the whole county, excluding Derby City. This is the model currently being pursued by Derbyshire County Council who do not support the North/South model.
For clarity, Central Government, the Civil Service, and Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, have made clear that they are not in favour of High Peak joining Greater Manchester. This is primarily due to their reluctance to amend the newly established East Midlands Combined County Authority. Combined with the submission of the Derbyshire based proposal, this has effectively ruled out the possibility of High Peak becoming part of Greater Manchester.
A public consultation is expected to take place in early summer to enable local residents, staff, partner public bodies, voluntary sector organisations and other key stakeholders to have their say. A full proposal is set to be submitted to Central Government by Friday 28thNovember 2025.
If you would like to read the interim proposal in full, you can find it here:
https://democracy.highpeak.gov.uk/documents/s45356/Appendix%20D.pdf
For balance, Derbyshire County Council’s alternative proposal is available here:
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news-events/news-updates/news/we-move-forward-with-our-proposals-to-keep-derbyshire-together-under-local-government-reform-plans.aspx
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or thoughts regarding the interim proposal or local government reorganisation in general.
You're always welcome to get in touch via email:[email protected], or alternatively, please feel free to give me a bell on 07813 969399.
Ollie's Update 28/01/2025
Local Government Reform
The government has announced the most significant shake-up of local government for 50 years, but the future of the High Peak remains uncertain. The English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16th December proposes to dismantle two-tiered local government.
The proposals would see smaller district councils, like High Peak Borough Council, and large county councils, like Derbyshire County Council, disappear with new larger unitary authorities created to replace them. These new councils would each serve a population of around 500,000.
At this stage, the process remains somewhat unclear, and we are still awaiting further details about what options are on the table, and how and when future consultations will take place. In the meantime, we are stuck with a series of hypotheticals.
I appreciate that there has been fierce debate about High Peak’s future, with discussions largely focusing on whether the area should align with a Greater Manchester based or Derbyshire based unitary authority. The issue is complex and nuanced, with no straightforward answers, as the implications of either will depend largely on the specific details of the proposals brought forward. This is a decision that warrants careful deliberation.
In addition, High Peak occupies a unique geographical and cultural position, with strong connections to both Greater Manchester and Derbyshire. These ties influence everything from employment and transport, to healthcare and education, making any future local government reform fraught with implications for the area’s identity and governance going forward.
Recent reports have begun to cast some doubt on the prospect of High Peak joining the Greater Manchester area through a merger with Tameside or Stockport. The government is said to be unenthusiastic about altering the boundaries of the recently established East Midlands Combined County Authority. However, that is not to say that such a move definitely will not happen.
Derbyshire County Council has submitted a proposal to the Government for the creation of a unitary authority. This plan would involve merging Derbyshire's districts and boroughs into a single-tier authority covering the county, while Derby City Council would retain its existing boundaries. Notably, this proposal was submitted without prior consultation.
Whilst I remain open-minded, the proposed unitary authority would serve a substantial population of approximately 800,000 people. I am concerned that, within such a large and unwieldy organisation, the specific needs of High Peak residents may struggle to receive the attention and priority they deserve. In addition, whilst the reorganisation aims to streamline governance, there is a risk that such a vast authority could become less efficient in addressing local issues due to the sheer size and complexity of the organisation.
Derbyshire County Council have also requested for Derbyshire to be included in the first phase of local government reorganisation. If Derbyshire is included in the first phase, then the Derbyshire County Council elections scheduled for May 2025 may be postponed. However, based on my understanding, it seems unlikely that Derbyshire will be part of the initial phase, as we already have a devolution deal in place.
An alternative proposal has also been mooted, the creation of a North Derbyshire unitary authority, serving a population of roughly 450,000. This would bring together High Peak, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, and Chesterfield Such a structure could potentially strike a balance between maintaining regional coherence and ensuring effective local governance.
It would create an authority that is arguably both large enough to deliver services efficiently, whilst small enough to remain responsive to the unique needs of local communities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for more focused governance tailored to addressing the specific challenges faced by semi-rural & rural communities.
Whatever path is chosen, I suspect that High Peak will continue to face challenges as a peripheral area within any proposed administrative structure. The question, then, is which option offers the best chance for meaningful representation and investment in the long term. Whether we are part of a Greater Manchester or a Derbyshire unitary authority, or even a North Derbyshire model, the challenge will be to ensure that High Peak's unique needs are recognised and prioritised.
Whilst it is thought that Derbyshire will not be seen as a priority for reorganisation compared to other areas that still for example, do not have a mayor in place, there is an expectation for interim plans from all Councils to be submitted by the end of March. More detailed proposals are then due to be drawn up by the Autumn, with the new structure implemented in 2027 or 2028.
I firmly believe that a measured, inclusive approach that genuinely weighs the merits of all proposals is essential. Any future decision should be based on a thorough review of all proposals and meaningful engagement with local communities to ensure the best outcome for High Peak. Rest assured, I will share updates as more information comes to light over the next few weeks and months.
In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding local government reform or wish to discuss any other local issue then please don't hesitate to contact me via email: [email protected], or alternatively, you're most welcome to give me a bell on 07813969399.Ollie's Update 28/01/25Local Government ReformThe government has announced the most significant shake-up of local government for 50 years, but the future of the High Peak remains uncertain. The English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16th December proposes to dismantle two-tiered local government.
The proposals would see smaller district councils, like High Peak Borough Council, and large county councils, like Derbyshire County Council, disappear with new larger unitary authorities created to replace them. These new councils would each serve a population of around 500,000.
At this stage, the process remains somewhat unclear, and we are still awaiting further details about what options are on the table, and how and when future consultations will take place. In the meantime, we are stuck with a series of hypotheticals.
I appreciate that there has been fierce debate about High Peak’s future, with discussions largely focusing on whether the area should align with a Greater Manchester based or Derbyshire based unitary authority. The issue is complex and nuanced, with no straightforward answers, as the implications of either will depend largely on the specific details of the proposals brought forward. This is a decision that warrants careful deliberation.
In addition, High Peak occupies a unique geographical and cultural position, with strong connections to both Greater Manchester and Derbyshire. These ties influence everything from employment and transport, to healthcare and education, making any future local government reform fraught with implications for the area’s identity and governance going forward.
Recent reports have begun to cast some doubt on the prospect of High Peak joining the Greater Manchester area through a merger with Tameside or Stockport. The government is said to be unenthusiastic about altering the boundaries of the recently established East Midlands Combined County Authority. However, that is not to say that such a move definitely will not happen.
Derbyshire County Council has submitted a proposal to the Government for the creation of a unitary authority. This plan would involve merging Derbyshire's districts and boroughs into a single-tier authority covering the county, while Derby City Council would retain its existing boundaries. Notably, this proposal was submitted without prior consultation.
Whilst I remain open-minded, the proposed unitary authority would serve a substantial population of approximately 800,000 people. I am concerned that, within such a large and unwieldy organisation, the specific needs of High Peak residents may struggle to receive the attention and priority they deserve. In addition, whilst the reorganisation aims to streamline governance, there is a risk that such a vast authority could become less efficient in addressing local issues due to the sheer size and complexity of the organisation.
Derbyshire County Council have also requested for Derbyshire to be included in the first phase of local government reorganisation. If Derbyshire is included in the first phase, then the Derbyshire County Council elections scheduled for May 2025 may be postponed. However, based on my understanding, it seems unlikely that Derbyshire will be part of the initial phase, as we already have a devolution deal in place.
An alternative proposal has also been mooted, the creation of a North Derbyshire unitary authority, serving a population of roughly 450,000. This would bring together High Peak, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, and Chesterfield Such a structure could potentially strike a balance between maintaining regional coherence and ensuring effective local governance.
It would create an authority that is arguably both large enough to deliver services efficiently, whilst small enough to remain responsive to the unique needs of local communities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for more focused governance tailored to addressing the specific challenges faced by semi-rural & rural communities.
Whatever path is chosen, I suspect that High Peak will continue to face challenges as a peripheral area within any proposed administrative structure. The question, then, is which option offers the best chance for meaningful representation and investment in the long term. Whether we are part of a Greater Manchester or a Derbyshire unitary authority, or even a North Derbyshire model, the challenge will be to ensure that High Peak's unique needs are recognised and prioritised.
Whilst it is thought that Derbyshire will not be seen as a priority for reorganisation compared to other areas that still for example, do not have a mayor in place, there is an expectation for interim plans from all Councils to be submitted by the end of March. More detailed proposals are then due to be drawn up by the Autumn, with the new structure implemented in 2027 or 2028.
I firmly believe that a measured, inclusive approach that genuinely weighs the merits of all proposals is essential. Any future decision should be based on a thorough review of all proposals and meaningful engagement with local communities to ensure the best outcome for High Peak. Rest assured, I will share updates as more information comes to light over the next few weeks and months.
In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding local government reform or wish to discuss any other local issue then please don't hesitate to contact me via email: [email protected], or alternatively, you're most welcome to give me a bell on
07813 969399.
Local Government Reform
The government has announced the most significant shake-up of local government for 50 years, but the future of the High Peak remains uncertain. The English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16th December proposes to dismantle two-tiered local government.
The proposals would see smaller district councils, like High Peak Borough Council, and large county councils, like Derbyshire County Council, disappear with new larger unitary authorities created to replace them. These new councils would each serve a population of around 500,000.
At this stage, the process remains somewhat unclear, and we are still awaiting further details about what options are on the table, and how and when future consultations will take place. In the meantime, we are stuck with a series of hypotheticals.
I appreciate that there has been fierce debate about High Peak’s future, with discussions largely focusing on whether the area should align with a Greater Manchester based or Derbyshire based unitary authority. The issue is complex and nuanced, with no straightforward answers, as the implications of either will depend largely on the specific details of the proposals brought forward. This is a decision that warrants careful deliberation.
In addition, High Peak occupies a unique geographical and cultural position, with strong connections to both Greater Manchester and Derbyshire. These ties influence everything from employment and transport, to healthcare and education, making any future local government reform fraught with implications for the area’s identity and governance going forward.
Recent reports have begun to cast some doubt on the prospect of High Peak joining the Greater Manchester area through a merger with Tameside or Stockport. The government is said to be unenthusiastic about altering the boundaries of the recently established East Midlands Combined County Authority. However, that is not to say that such a move definitely will not happen.
Derbyshire County Council has submitted a proposal to the Government for the creation of a unitary authority. This plan would involve merging Derbyshire's districts and boroughs into a single-tier authority covering the county, while Derby City Council would retain its existing boundaries. Notably, this proposal was submitted without prior consultation.
Whilst I remain open-minded, the proposed unitary authority would serve a substantial population of approximately 800,000 people. I am concerned that, within such a large and unwieldy organisation, the specific needs of High Peak residents may struggle to receive the attention and priority they deserve. In addition, whilst the reorganisation aims to streamline governance, there is a risk that such a vast authority could become less efficient in addressing local issues due to the sheer size and complexity of the organisation.
Derbyshire County Council have also requested for Derbyshire to be included in the first phase of local government reorganisation. If Derbyshire is included in the first phase, then the Derbyshire County Council elections scheduled for May 2025 may be postponed. However, based on my understanding, it seems unlikely that Derbyshire will be part of the initial phase, as we already have a devolution deal in place.
An alternative proposal has also been mooted, the creation of a North Derbyshire unitary authority, serving a population of roughly 450,000. This would bring together High Peak, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, and Chesterfield Such a structure could potentially strike a balance between maintaining regional coherence and ensuring effective local governance.
It would create an authority that is arguably both large enough to deliver services efficiently, whilst small enough to remain responsive to the unique needs of local communities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for more focused governance tailored to addressing the specific challenges faced by semi-rural & rural communities.
Whatever path is chosen, I suspect that High Peak will continue to face challenges as a peripheral area within any proposed administrative structure. The question, then, is which option offers the best chance for meaningful representation and investment in the long term. Whether we are part of a Greater Manchester or a Derbyshire unitary authority, or even a North Derbyshire model, the challenge will be to ensure that High Peak's unique needs are recognised and prioritised.
Whilst it is thought that Derbyshire will not be seen as a priority for reorganisation compared to other areas that still for example, do not have a mayor in place, there is an expectation for interim plans from all Councils to be submitted by the end of March. More detailed proposals are then due to be drawn up by the Autumn, with the new structure implemented in 2027 or 2028.
I firmly believe that a measured, inclusive approach that genuinely weighs the merits of all proposals is essential. Any future decision should be based on a thorough review of all proposals and meaningful engagement with local communities to ensure the best outcome for High Peak. Rest assured, I will share updates as more information comes to light over the next few weeks and months.
In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding local government reform or wish to discuss any other local issue then please don't hesitate to contact me via email: [email protected], or alternatively, you're most welcome to give me a bell on 07813969399.Ollie's Update 28/01/25Local Government ReformThe government has announced the most significant shake-up of local government for 50 years, but the future of the High Peak remains uncertain. The English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16th December proposes to dismantle two-tiered local government.
The proposals would see smaller district councils, like High Peak Borough Council, and large county councils, like Derbyshire County Council, disappear with new larger unitary authorities created to replace them. These new councils would each serve a population of around 500,000.
At this stage, the process remains somewhat unclear, and we are still awaiting further details about what options are on the table, and how and when future consultations will take place. In the meantime, we are stuck with a series of hypotheticals.
I appreciate that there has been fierce debate about High Peak’s future, with discussions largely focusing on whether the area should align with a Greater Manchester based or Derbyshire based unitary authority. The issue is complex and nuanced, with no straightforward answers, as the implications of either will depend largely on the specific details of the proposals brought forward. This is a decision that warrants careful deliberation.
In addition, High Peak occupies a unique geographical and cultural position, with strong connections to both Greater Manchester and Derbyshire. These ties influence everything from employment and transport, to healthcare and education, making any future local government reform fraught with implications for the area’s identity and governance going forward.
Recent reports have begun to cast some doubt on the prospect of High Peak joining the Greater Manchester area through a merger with Tameside or Stockport. The government is said to be unenthusiastic about altering the boundaries of the recently established East Midlands Combined County Authority. However, that is not to say that such a move definitely will not happen.
Derbyshire County Council has submitted a proposal to the Government for the creation of a unitary authority. This plan would involve merging Derbyshire's districts and boroughs into a single-tier authority covering the county, while Derby City Council would retain its existing boundaries. Notably, this proposal was submitted without prior consultation.
Whilst I remain open-minded, the proposed unitary authority would serve a substantial population of approximately 800,000 people. I am concerned that, within such a large and unwieldy organisation, the specific needs of High Peak residents may struggle to receive the attention and priority they deserve. In addition, whilst the reorganisation aims to streamline governance, there is a risk that such a vast authority could become less efficient in addressing local issues due to the sheer size and complexity of the organisation.
Derbyshire County Council have also requested for Derbyshire to be included in the first phase of local government reorganisation. If Derbyshire is included in the first phase, then the Derbyshire County Council elections scheduled for May 2025 may be postponed. However, based on my understanding, it seems unlikely that Derbyshire will be part of the initial phase, as we already have a devolution deal in place.
An alternative proposal has also been mooted, the creation of a North Derbyshire unitary authority, serving a population of roughly 450,000. This would bring together High Peak, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, and Chesterfield Such a structure could potentially strike a balance between maintaining regional coherence and ensuring effective local governance.
It would create an authority that is arguably both large enough to deliver services efficiently, whilst small enough to remain responsive to the unique needs of local communities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for more focused governance tailored to addressing the specific challenges faced by semi-rural & rural communities.
Whatever path is chosen, I suspect that High Peak will continue to face challenges as a peripheral area within any proposed administrative structure. The question, then, is which option offers the best chance for meaningful representation and investment in the long term. Whether we are part of a Greater Manchester or a Derbyshire unitary authority, or even a North Derbyshire model, the challenge will be to ensure that High Peak's unique needs are recognised and prioritised.
Whilst it is thought that Derbyshire will not be seen as a priority for reorganisation compared to other areas that still for example, do not have a mayor in place, there is an expectation for interim plans from all Councils to be submitted by the end of March. More detailed proposals are then due to be drawn up by the Autumn, with the new structure implemented in 2027 or 2028.
I firmly believe that a measured, inclusive approach that genuinely weighs the merits of all proposals is essential. Any future decision should be based on a thorough review of all proposals and meaningful engagement with local communities to ensure the best outcome for High Peak. Rest assured, I will share updates as more information comes to light over the next few weeks and months.
In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding local government reform or wish to discuss any other local issue then please don't hesitate to contact me via email: [email protected], or alternatively, you're most welcome to give me a bell on
07813 969399.