Published: 23 May 2025
Last updated: 15 July 2025
What is local government reorganisation?
As part of its plans for devolution, the government has launched a programme of local government reorganisation aimed at simplifying and improving local council services. This was announced in December 2024 in the English Devolution White Paper. As part of this, the government is planning to replace all two-tier systems - where services are split between county and district or borough councils - with new unitary councils. It means the county and district councils will no longer exist and brand-new organisations will be created.
These much larger unitary structures would then join together in groups to form Strategic Authorities (those with the elected mayors).
The government believes that local government reorganisation, together with devolution over a big strategic area, will improve public services and support economic growth.
What this means for Lincolnshire and North Kesteven
Lincolnshire currently has seven district and borough councils including North Kesteven, and one county council. Within Greater Lincolnshire there are also two smaller existing unitary councils – North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. Whilst not within Greater Lincolnshire the small unitary of Rutland neighbours South Kesteven.
Unless there is a complete reversal of the policy set out in the government’s Devolution White Paper, there is currently no route by which we can continue to operate as a district council in the future.
As things stand, we will become part of a larger unitary council as a result of local government reorganisation.
Most new unitary authorities are expected to be in place by 2028.
North Kesteven cannot opt out. All councils must follow the roadmap that is mandated in December’s White Paper and 'no change' is not an option.
The government has been clear that it wants all small unitaries and two-tier areas to bring forward proposals for reorganisation. It intends to deliver this process as quickly as possible, including through legislation, where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.
As part of the government’s plans, all 10 councils across Greater Lincolnshire have been asked to explore and submit proposals for how local government could be restructured. This may include the creation of a number of new unitary councils to replace the existing two-tier arrangements, with the goal of delivering simpler, more effective local services.
The government set this out in a letter from the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution sent to all council leaders on 5 February 2025. To view the letter, visit the GOV.UK website.
What are the interim proposals?
In the letter sent to councils on 5 February 2025, the government explained that it wanted interim plans for local government reorganisation by 21 March 2025. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has advised councils that March is primarily a checkpoint to get assurance that councils are working together to develop proposals in line with the government’s criteria.
March interim plans can describe more than one potential proposal for an area, if there is more than one option under consideration.
What is the North Kesteven interim proposal?
Working closely with South Kesteven, our proposal is for three new unitary councils to cover the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland areas. Our proposals were presented to Full Council at its meeting, held on 18 March 2025.
To view further details of the Full Council meeting, visit our Democracy webpage.
Have other interim plans been submitted from Lincolnshire?
Yes, a number of other interim plans have been submitted. These include a large single unitary covering all the existing Lincolnshire district council areas submitted by the county council, plus two unitary solution options.
What happens next?
Current progress and next steps
The written feedback from the government on the interim plan for each area was received in June. For more information and further updates, visit our dedicated Local Government Reorganisation updates webpage.
Following the submission of initial proposals and a formal response received from government, councils across Greater Lincolnshire are now carefully reviewing the available options.
This next phase focuses on identifying the most effective structures to serve the people, communities, and businesses of the region. Given the size, diversity, and unique needs of Greater Lincolnshire, multiple options are being explored by different councils. The shared goal is to develop solutions that deliver against the six criteria set out by the government.
This is a critical opportunity to shape a local government structure that works better for everyone now and in the future.
Now that feedback has been received, we will develop our full proposal. It will be supported, as with our interim proposal by clear evidence so that we can be confident it will have a positive impact for our residents, businesses and communities.
When and how will a decision be made?
Councils undergoing local government reorganisation submitted their interim plans on 21 March 2025. Full proposals will then be submitted by most areas by 28 November 2025, a smaller number have a deadline for end September 2025, whilst Surrey had to submit their proposals for earlier in May 2025.
The government has said it aims to carry out public consultation around proposals for local government reorganisation in early 2026. The government expects to make its final decision by summer 2026.
Timeline and milestones
The following is an indicative timeline outlining key stages in the Local Government Reorganisation process for Greater Lincolnshire:
Confirmed Dates
- 5 February 2025: Statutory invitation received from government to submit unitary proposals
- 21 March 2025: Submitted interim local government reorganisation proposal
- 1 May 2025: Lincolnshire County Council elections
- 28 November 2025: Submit full local government reorganisation proposal
Proposed Dates
- April to May 2027: Elections for shadow authorities
- April 2028: Vesting day for new unitary councils
Who will have the final say?
The final decision on proposals for local government reorganisation will be taken by the government.
Council leaders are responsible for holding discussions between different local authority areas, to help produce full proposals by 28 November 2025. These proposals must also be supported by evidence and widespread engagement. It will then be down to the government to consult.
Other than working together to bring forward plans and proposals for their area, councils will not get a say in the government’s final decision.
Your voice matters
Before any final proposals are submitted to the government there will be a chance for residents and businesses to have your say.
Over the coming weeks and months, you may see events, surveys, and other engagement activities led by your local council. Your views will help ensure that those councils developing proposals understand your priorities, values, and aspirations for Greater Lincolnshire.
Whilst councils can engage on proposals it is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) who are the body responsible for the consultation of any proposals as they are progressed.