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Local Government Reorganisation

Latest news:

Update on Local Government Reorganisation in Worcestershire (29 October, 2026)

In a joint statement, the seven leaders of Worcestershire’s councils said:

“The meeting with the Minister today, following Government’s review of Local Government Reorganisation, has given us some clarity around the decision taken in July, for a two unitary authority for Worcestershire, which is effectively unchanged.

“Government is minded to implement a North and a South Worcestershire by April 2029 however we won’t get confirmation of this until before Christmas.

“While this does not provide full certainty immediately, the Government reaffirming their original decision in July, along with our preparatory work, puts us in a strong position to respond to the Government’s decision.

“We now look forward to moving forward and remain committed to continuing to provide services to our residents while focussing on delivering the best possible outcomes for our communities across Worcestershire.”

Cllr Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council 
Cllr John Gallagher, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council 
Cllr Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council 
Cllr Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council 
Cllr Matt Jenkins, Leader of Worcestershire County Council 
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council 
Cllr Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council 

Previously:

Government paused and reviewed the LGR programme...

The Government reviewed plans to streamline local government, to ensure it is robust and aligns with new government priorities.

Review of local government reorganisation launched - GOV.UK

...after having chosen two unitary councils for Worcestershire

The Government had announced that Worcestershire's seven existing county, city, district and borough councils would be replaced by two new unitary councils from 1 April 2028.

What does this mean for our residents?

For now, very little will change.

We will continue to provide services and support to residents, businesses and communities until the new arrangements come into effect.

You should continue to contact us in the usual way and use our services as you do today.

Unitary councils deliver all local government services, bringing together responsibilities that are currently delivered by several councils.

Will your services change?

No. Services will continue to be delivered by the existing councils until the new councils come in - and the new unitary councils thereafter with any future changes decided later on.

This includes services such as:

  • Bin collections and waste services
  • Planning applications
  • Housing services
  • Parks, play areas and open spaces
  • Leisure and sports facilities
  • Road maintenance and highways
  • Education services
  • Children's services
  • Adult social care

For now

  • Council services continue as normal
  • Continue using the same phone numbers, websites and offices
  • Continue reporting issues and making applications in the usual way
  • Changes to unitary councils will take effect later
  • We will keep residents informed as plans progress

Later, these services will be delivered through the new unitary councils and we will make this transition as seamless as possible.

What happens next?

Following the Government's decision, preparations will begin to establish the new council arrangements.

Elections for the new council or councils are expected to take place in May 2028. Following those elections, a shadow council will be created to prepare for the transfer of services and responsibilities.

The shadow council's role will include:

  • Preparing for the launch of the new authority or authorities
  • Agreeing budgets and policies
  • Establishing governance arrangements
  • Ensuring services transfer smoothly on 1 April 2029

The Shadow Council will automatically become the elected officials of your new unitary authority post-Vesting, on 1 April 2029.

Our shared commitment to residents

Our priority is to ensure residents, businesses and communities continue to receive the services and support they rely on.

We are working in close partnership with councils across Worcestershire to make sure the transition is planned carefully and delivered smoothly.

If any future changes affect how residents access services, these will be communicated clearly and, where required, consulted on in the usual way.

Background

Major changes are planned to councils across Worcestershire as part of the biggest shake-up of local government in more than 50 years. The Government is requiring 21 areas of England to restructure their system of local government before 2029.

There are two parts to the Government’s proposed changes:

  • Local government reorganisation – where the Government is looking to replace Bromsgrove District, Malvern Hills District, Redditch Borough, Worcester City, Worcestershire County, Wychavon District and Wyre Forest District Councils with fewer councils.
  • Devolution – where the Government is looking to transfer powers and funding to new Strategic Authorities (also called Combined Authorities) that cover a number of new council areas and are responsible for large projects such as transport, infrastructure, and economic development

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