We have just received the following information from NALC (National Association of Local Councils).
Dear colleagues,
The government is set to announce a review of the Local Government Reorganisation programme. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner MP, is due to make a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon confirming the decision.
Based on information released ahead of the statement, decisions relating to reorganisation in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are expected to be withdrawn, while proposals in a further 16 areas will be paused and reviewed in light of legal advice and the government's wider priorities for devolution and public service reform. The government has also indicated that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will proceed on existing council boundaries while the review is undertaken, providing some short-term certainty for councils and communities. Surrey is not affected by the review, with plans for the new East Surrey and West Surrey unitary authorities remaining on track to go live in April 2027.
While we await the full details, NALC is disappointed that the position on local government reorganisation has now become unclear, particularly given the significant time and effort we know member councils and county associations have already invested in engaging with the process. While we recognise the government's desire to ensure the process is legally robust and aligned with its ambitions for devolution, we will be urging ministers to conclude the review swiftly and provide certainty for communities, member councils and county associations.
The announcement also underlines the importance of a strong and resilient first tier of local government. We will continue to make the case that whatever the future shape of local government structures, parish and town councils must be recognised as essential partners in delivering services, representing communities and ensuring devolution reaches the neighbourhood level.
NALC will be seeking further information and clarification from civil servants and ministers following the Secretary of State's statement and will continue to represent the interests of parish and town councils throughout the review process. We will keep you updated as further information becomes available.