One Derbyshire, Two Councils

For the first time in 50 years, the way our local council services are delivered is changing. Following a Government white paper, we are embarking on a journey to modernise, simplify and improve how your local councils work for you.

In February 2025, the Government invited local councils to design a new future for Derbyshire, to work together and draw up initial proposals for new organisations that are:

• Simpler and more efficient
• Better value for money
• Closer to communities
• Able to deliver joined-up services

In response to the Government’s call for local councils to work together, Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils, and Derby City Council, worked in partnership to draw up a joint proposal, which was submitted to Government in November 2025.

Seven of Derbyshire’s district and borough councils, and Derby City Council, submitted their ‘One Derbyshire, Two Councils’ plan to create two new unitary councils to cover the whole of the county, with one in the north and one in the south.

Derbyshire County Council submitted a separate proposal to create a single unitary council covering the whole of the county.