Councillors react as Derbyshire council shake-up is paused

Plans to replace Derbyshire’s 10 existing councils with two new authorities have been put on hold by the Government, prompting criticism over the cost and uncertainty surrounding the reorganisation. 

The Government announced on Monday 7th September that it was reviewing its programme of local government reorganisation following updated legal advice. 

The review means the decision announced in July to create two new unitary councils for Derbyshire has been paused. The proposed changes would see the existing county, city and eight district and borough councils replaced by one council covering the north of the county and another covering the south, with Amber Valley divided between the two areas. 

Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said she had been asked by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to “look again” at the reorganisation programme. 

She said she wanted to satisfy herself that the process was “robust and legally sound” following the updated legal advice, and that she understood the “frustration” and was “disappointed” herself. 

The Government has not said how long the pause will last, saying the review will be carried out “at pace”. It has also not confirmed whether councils will be compensated for costs already incurred as a result of the reorganisation process. 

Derbyshire’s councils have already set aside more than £16 million this year for preparation and related costs, with the overall cost of establishing the new authorities and separating existing council functions estimated at £66 million. 

The Government has confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will now go ahead on the existing council boundaries while the review takes place. 

The Conservatives have criticised the Government’s decision. 

Conservative shadow housing minister David Simmonds said councils had been ‘shamefully let down’ and described the move as a ‘betrayal of local democracy’. 

In the High Peak, Conservative group leader Cllr Adie Hopkinson said he was disappointed by the decision to pause the proposed merger of High Peak Borough Council with Derbyshire County Council. 

He said: “We were told the plan would save money. Preparation for the merger has already cost many thousands. Labour now have a legal battle to add to those costs. 

“It would appear that Labour did not do their homework prior to announcing the proposal and High Peak’s residents have now been thrown into confusion, with some asking whether the subject of going into Manchester will surface once again. 

“The cost of this mess will have to be funded by taxpayers, money which is vital for local services.” 

Locally Reform UK has also strongly criticised the pause. Derbyshire County Council leader Cllr Alan Graves said: 

“Derbyshire’s ten councils have already set aside more than £16 million this year for a scheme the Government cannot even manage to finish. This is real money. It should be fixing our roads and supporting vulnerable children, not funding Whitehall’s indecision. 

“We said all along that this reorganisation was being rushed and mismanaged from the top down. Today’s pause proves it. Our staff, our residents and our councils deserve a straight answer, not another round of guessing games. 

“Derbyshire cannot keep paying the price for Labour’s dithering. Reform UK will keep holding this Government to account until residents get the clarity and the value for money they deserve.” 

Reform UK said it had opposed the way the reorganisation had been imposed on Derbyshire, arguing that the process had been rushed and driven by central government rather than local communities. The party is calling for further spending on the reorganisation to be halted until the Government can set out a ‘lawful, workable and lasting plan’ and properly consult councils and residents about what should happen next. 

High Peak MP Jon Pearce said he continued to support the proposed northern unitary council, arguing that the area had been “too long overlooked” by Derbyshire County Council under both Conservative and Reform leadership. 

He said: “I continue to support the plan for a North Derbyshire unitary council because we have been too long overlooked by Derbyshire County Council whether in the hands of the Tories or Reform. There being no better example than their proposals to close Glossop Tip.  

“At this stage we just need some certainty either way. So, I am urging the Government to get on with their review and make a final decision. My sole priority is that we have a council or councils that can deliver for local people.” 

The plans are now on hold while ministers carry out their review, with no timetable yet given for a final decision.