Derbyshire to be split to create two new councils

Derbyshire's political boundary is to be split in half as part of a local government shake-up.

The changes, confirmed by the government on Thursday, include a north-south split of the county, with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two new councils.

In the north, the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Bolsover will be combined, while the southern council will see Derby city, Erewash and South Derbyshire merged.

The government announced in December 2024 that it wanted to reorganise local authorities in an attempt to streamline services, and people in Derbyshire were consulted over three possible proposals.

Deputy leader of Reform-run Derbyshire County Council, Stephen Reed, has criticised the decision and said the local government reorganisation (LGR) risked creating an unfair settlement for residents in the north of the county.

He said: "This outcome is not in the best interests of the people of Derbyshire. It leaves the new northern unitary authority at risk of becoming the poor cousin to the south.

"We believe this decision goes against the government's own criteria and fails to deliver the savings, efficiencies and stability that local government reorganisation was meant to provide.

"This looks like political gerrymandering. Steve Reed MP [Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government] has chosen options put forward by Labour-run councils across the East Midlands, based on protecting political control rather than doing what is right for local people."

Under the plans, the northern council would have a population of 539,000, whereas the southern council would have 538,000 residents.

Parts of Amber Valley in the northern council will include: Aldercar and Langley Mill, Alderwasley, Alfreton, Ashleyhay, Codnor, Crich, Dethick, Lea and Holloway, Hazelwood, Heanor and Loscoe, Idridgehay and Alton, Ironville, Pentrich, Ripley, Ravensdale Park, Shottle and Postern, Somercotes, South Wingfield, Swanwick, Turnditch, Weston Underwood and Windley.

Meanwhile, areas currently in Amber Valley, which are set to join the southern council, include: Belper, Denby, Duffield, Holbrook, Horsley, Horsley Woodhouse, Kedleston, Kilburn, Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Mapperley, Quarndon, Shipley and Smalley.

Chris Emmas-Williams, leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said he was "disappointed" at the decision to split the borough between the two new councils.

He said: "There are no immediate changes to council services, and residents should continue to access services in the usual way.

"We're disappointed that government has chosen a proposal which would split Amber Valley between two new unitary authorities.

"This wasn't Amber Valley Borough Council's preferred option, and proposals to split the borough received the lowest level of support through our public consultation in June 2025.

"This represents a significant change for our residents, communities and colleagues. We will now take the time to fully understand the implications of today's decision and will continue to keep people informed as more information becomes available.

"Throughout this process, our focus remains on delivering the high-quality services our residents rely on every day."

Jane Yates, leader of Bolsover District Council, added: "Today marks a major milestone in Bolsover District Council's journey through local government reorganisation.

"We understand that this move may cause some uncertainty but please rest assured that our priority is to maintain services and continue business as usual."

The district council says the changes will come into effect from April 2028.

Robert Pearson, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said the announcement was something the authority had been preparing itself for over the past 18 months, and thanked council employees and members for their "professionalism and commitment".

"It has been an uncertain time for us all since we first heard the announcement in December 2024," he said.

"Now we have clarity, the process will begin in the background to prepare us for shadow elections to the new authority in May 2027, and ultimately the start of the new unitary council in April 2028.

"In the meantime, our focus will not waver on delivering quality services to shape our environment, drive our economy and support our communities across South Derbyshire."

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.