Plans to significantly restructure local government in England have been put on hold as the government initiates a review prompted by legal advice. The proposed mergers of smaller councils into larger authorities in areas such as Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk have been withdrawn. Additionally, reorganization plans for 14 other regions will be paused and subjected to this review.
The government confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will proceed based on existing council boundaries. However, the reorganization in Surrey, which saw councillors elected for two new unitary authorities in May, will not be affected by the current review.
Communities Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to announce the review in Parliament, stating that "in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law." She will further explain that the review aims to "fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new prime minister and any additional considerations."
These local government reform proposals originated during Sir Keir Starmer's previous tenure as leader, when Angela Rayner served as local government secretary. The plans were later advanced by Steve Reed. The current pause and review indicate a shift in approach by the new administration regarding the scope and legality of these extensive structural changes.