Local Government Reorganisation
Changes coming to Worcestershire
From 1 April 2028, the existing county, city, district and borough councils in Worcestershire will be replaced by two new unitary authorities.
Following the government’s formal consultation they have decided that there will be two unitary councils.
Your new unitary councils will deliver all the services you rely on, including:
- waste collections
- roads
- housing
- planning
- play areas, parks and green spaces
- leisure centres
- education
- children’s services
- adult social care
Read the joint statement from the Leaders of the Councils
How and when the changes will happen
Elections for the new unitary councils will take place in May 2027. After the elections, shadow councils will be set up. A shadow council is a temporary body made up of the newly elected councillors. Its role is to:
- prepare for the official launch of the new council/s
- agree budgets, policies, and governance arrangements
- ensure everything is ready for the transfer of services from 1 April 2028
Until 1 April 2028, all day-to-day services will continue to be run by the seven county, district, city and borough councils in Worcestershire.
Impact on services
Our focus is to make sure that everyone continues to receive the services and support they rely on, without disruption. This includes residents, businesses and communities. You’ll still be able to access local offices, libraries and online services in the same way you do now.
If any future changes affect how you access a service, these will be consulted on in the usual way.