Leader hopes city expansion will happen despite pause

The leader of Nottingham City Council has said she hopes an expansion of the city's boundary will still go ahead despite the government putting the plans on hold.

As part of a major shake-up of local government announced in July, Nottingham was due to merge with parts of the surrounding boroughs of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe to form a new unitary council.

The government announced yesterday, however, that it would review all of the proposals following new legal advice.

"We've just got to understand now - is it a pause, how long for and how do we move forward?" said the city council's Labour leader Neghat Khan.

"Everyone here in Nottingham City Council is very clear. Our boundaries are very tight and we need that space to grow."

She added she understood the need for Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner to "reassure herself" about the plans.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Rayner said: "In light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law".

She added: "And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new prime minister and any additional considerations."

The plans originated under Sir Keir Starmer's government, when Rayner was also local government secretary, before she was replaced by Steve Reed.

The proposals for Nottinghamshire, which would see a second unitary council established for the rest of the county, have proven controversial.

Concerns have been raised that the north of the county would be left worse off, and Nottinghamshire County Council recently took the first step towards a potential judicial review.

The Labour MP for Gedling, Michael Payne, welcomed the review.

"I will be seeking firm reassurances that the voice of Gedling residents, our local councillors and myself as Gedling's member of parliament will be properly heard, taken seriously and reflected in whatever comes next," he said.

"I have always been clear - any decision to reorganise local government, which will inevitably have a profound impact on public services and the people who rely on them, should have a sound and justifiable evidence base, and one that would stand up to scrutiny and challenge."

Shadow elections for the new councils were due to be held in spring next year before powers were formally transferred in 2028.

The government says local elections in 2027 will now be held on existing council boundaries, but it "remains committed to effective and sustainable local government and simplifying these structures."

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