Two Nottinghamshire Councils have stated their disappointment at the rushed release of a draft Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) report that has highlighted two in three residents are not in favour of possible changes.

Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) and Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) have dismissed the report seven local authorities have chosen to publish after having less than 24 hours to review its summary.  

Key findings highlight less than 30% of residents see the advantages of any restructuring and in some parts of Nottinghamshire over 70% feel very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with services as they stand without the need for change.

Councils were sent the report on Monday (September 29) evening, but NCC and RBC have highlighted its publication now does not provide the full analysis or the full data and with such a short amount of time to consider the report, it pays lip service to the residents who did take the time to express their views.

Over 20,000 people signed petitions about the Government’s forced reorganisation, whereas the consultation exercise held over the summer only reached 11,000 people – less than 1% of the City and County population.

The Council Leaders, Councillor Mick Barton (NCC) and Councillor Neil Clarke (RBC) said: “Under 24 hours to review and publish a lengthy and incredibly important report that could form a cornerstone of the future of local government in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is irresponsible. The Councils who chose to make this report public prematurely are letting local people down.

“This engagement is not finished and so far has failed to reach most of our residents and businesses. The only clear message from this report is that two in three people here in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire do not want the Labour Government’s reorganisation.

“It is clear LGR is not supported by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire community. With central government imposing this restructure, how can people trust that Councils are working in their best interests if we rush to conclusions. We will be taking our time to understand and listen to people, and we will be requesting a meeting with the independent authors of the report.

“Despite the exceptional disappointment that partner councils released the report early, we remain open to working with all Councils so we can best meet the needs of local people and respond to the Government’s requirements.”