The Councils or Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe are now under threat of disappearing or being merged with the city council of Nottingham which has been in financial trouble for some time. This would mean that if they joined as a unitary council.

Proposed changes to Nottinghamshire's boundaries aim to reorganize the existing council structure into two new unitary authorities, a plan that has been under consideration since March 2025. Two core options involve creating one authority of Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with the second covering the rest of the county, or Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe in the first, with the rest in the second. A further option, dubbed the "wiggly line," suggests a boundary change that doesn't align with existing boroughs, potentially incorporating some parts of the wider Nottingham area into the city's new unitary authority to improve its council tax base. 
The Core Proposal
Two New Unitary Authorities: The overarching goal is to replace the current county council structure with two new, single-tier unitary authorities.
Reasons for Change: Nottingham City Council has argued its boundaries are too tight for its population, leading to financial problems. The proposals aim to create more financially viable authorities, with a particular focus on increasing the number of properties in higher council tax bands within the city's new authority. The Two Core Options
These are the two main models being considered for the new structure: 
Option 1b: Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling would form one unitary authority.
Option 1e: Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe would form one unitary authority. 
The Second Authority: In both scenarios (1b and 1e), the remaining areas—Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw, and the remaining district (either Gedling or Rushcliffe)—would combine to form the second unitary authority. 
A "Wiggly Line" Option
Beyond Existing Boroughs: Nottingham City Council is exploring an additional, preferred option that would involve changing the boundaries of neighbouring boroughs and districts, deviating from the current borough lines.
Purpose: This so-called "wiggly line" option is designed to create a larger and more financially stable city authority by potentially including some of the suburbs and their higher council tax-paying properties into the new city area. 
Current Status
Consultation Ongoing: Residents of the city and county have been asked to provide their views on these options, which will help shape the final proposals.
Deadline for Proposals: Final plans must be submitted to the government by November 28, 2025.
No Final Decision: No final decision has been made, and councils can still develop and pursue additional proposals in parallel with the core options. 
 

This is why I need to get as many people to support my petition and also the other petition on change for Gedling, I am doing this as we dont yet know until the consultation which option will be chosen, the voice of the people of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe must be heard.
 
 

The councils of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe have long served as the backbone for their respective communities, offering services and governance that cater directly to local needs. However, there is currently a proposal to merge these councils into Nottingham City, a decision that could impact the character and functionality of these areas profoundly.

Local governance plays a critical role in ensuring that the needs of specific communities are met efficiently. Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe have developed strong identities and robust administrative structures that have been tailored over the years to address unique local challenges. Combining them into a larger, centralized system under Nottingham City might dilute this effectiveness, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach that does not serve the interests of smaller districts.

One of the primary concerns with such a merger is the potential loss of local representation. Smaller councils offer residents a stronger voice in decision-making processes, ensuring community-specific issues are heard and addressed promptly. There is a significant risk that under a larger city council, these voices could be lost amidst broader urban priorities.

Additionally, financial implications cannot be ignored. The reorganization could result in increased bureaucracy, with the funds being diverted from essential local services to facilitate the transition. This might lead to inefficiencies and a decrease in service quality, affecting everything from waste management to educational resources.

Recent studies have pointed out that maintaining smaller, decentralized governance structures often leads to more sustainable community development. The unique economic landscapes and cultural heritages of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe deserve preservation and nurturing through governance that understands and prioritizes them.

The merger threatens not just administrative efficiency but also the very essence of community spirit that these councils have fostered over decades. We urge stakeholders, local leaders, and community members to consider the implications of such a decision and to advocate for the preservation of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe as separate entities. This petition calls for an evaluation of options that respect local autonomy and ensure better alignment with community needs.

Sign this petition to keep Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe councils distinct and ensure that their unique voices continue to thrive.

I have been asked by my friends in Broxtowe and Rushcliffe and gedling to do a joint petition, as there wasn't one for Broxtowe or Rushcliffe.

The other petition for saving gedling, I support and I have signed, if those who have signed the other petition could sign mine as well that would be great as we need to make our voice heard otherwise they will just walk all over us and totally ignore us