Nottinghamshire Council Faces HQ Uncertainty Amid Reorganisation

The New Forest District Council is reconsidering a £1.75 million refurbishment project at its Appletree Court facility, initially aimed at modernizing the east wing and generating £300,000 annually through south wing rentals. Due to concerns regarding the feasibility of the project amidst the government's devolution agenda and potential local government reorganization in Hampshire, a report recommends removing the scheme from the capital program. The report also suggests reallocating £200,000 to fund a reduced scope of works. Meanwhile, broader local government restructuring is being considered in Derby and Nottinghamshire, where councils face potential abolition of district and borough levels in favor of larger unitary authorities. Nottinghamshire County Council's planned move to a new £18 million headquarters is also in jeopardy due to uncertainties surrounding these reorganization efforts. Councils across the regions are poised to present proposals for these changes by March, as the future of local governance remains unclear.