Ashfield Council decides not to choose a local government reorganisation choice for Nottinghamshire

Following a full council debate, followed by a second debate by the council’s cabinet, the authority said it had ‘resolved not to express a preference for one option over the others’.

The three options on the table were Option 1b, Option 1e and Option 1Bii – the latter being Nottingham City Council’s new alternative option of expanded boundaries. into parts – but not all – of surrounding districts.

All three options had all of Ashfield remaining part of the new county council set-up, rather than moving to the city – something Hucknall residents in particular had been fearful of and the vast majority of whom were strongly against.

A council spokesperson said: “Our cabinet met this week to discuss and consider the three proposed business cases.

"The cabinet resolved to not express a preference for one option over the others.

"However, it emphasised that the Council is fully committed to being actively and positively involved in the implementation stage regardless of the option ultimately chosen by Government for the future local government model for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

"Ashfield Council is committed to ensuring the best outcomes for Ashfield and its residents and businesses.

"The fact that Ashfield has not identified a preferred option for submission is not an indication of a lack of commitment to reform or collaboration, but rather a reflection of the profound geographic, economic, and social distinctions that define Ashfield itself and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.”