Understand
Amber Valley Borough Council issues pre-action letter over Derbyshire local government shake-up
Overview
Amber Valley Borough Council has taken the first formal step towards a potential legal challenge by issuing a pre-action letter to the government regarding paused plans to split the area between two new unitary authorities. The council expressed concerns over how the decision was reached and whether public consultation evidence was properly considered, while the government stated it is reviewing the local government reorganisation programme.
Key points
- Amber Valley Borough Council has issued a pre-action letter to the government over local government reorganisation plans.
- The government's proposal involves dividing Amber Valley between two new unitary authorities covering the north and south of Derbyshire.
- Although implementation work was paused in September pending a review, the council remains concerned that the decision itself has not been withdrawn.
- Council leader Chris Emmas-Williams stated that splitting the borough was not their preferred option and received the lowest level of support in a public consultation.
- The government stated it is reviewing the programme to ensure it complies with the law and delivers the best possible outcome.