Why does city want to extend its boundaries - and when could it happen?

WBIG changes are in the works for Nottinghamshire boundaries that could affect everyone in the city and county.

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

It could change everything from who collects your bins to how much council tax you pay.

The changes will mark the biggest shake-up of local government for 50 years. Final plans are set to be unveiled within months and the changes could come into effect over the coming years.

What does all this mean, and why does Nottingham want to expand in the first place? We take you through everything that has happened so far and where things could end up.

How do Nottinghamshire councils currently work?

It depends if you live in the city or the county. If you live in the city, Nottingham City Council manages a network of schools, collects bins, maintains the city's roads, looks after parks, provides social care services and runs a network of council housing.

Outside the city, the rest of the county works differently.

Nottinghamshire County Council oversees all areas outside the city and provides the biggest services, including highways maintenance and social care.

There are then seven smaller district and borough councils, including Broxtowe and Gedling, which manage more localised services.

These include collecting bins and managing planning applications.

The seven district and borough councils are Bassetlaw, Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.

What is going to change?

The Government wants to scrap the two-tier system of local government. It wants all councils to become unitary authorities managing all services in their area, like Nottingham City Council.