Plans for a significant reorganisation of local government across England are on hold following a government review prompted by new legal advice. Proposals to merge smaller councils into larger authorities in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk have been withdrawn.
Additionally, plans for 14 other areas will be reviewed and paused. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to inform MPs that she wants to ensure the process is robust, complies with the law, and aligns with the priorities of the new administration and Prime Minister.
The reorganisation in Surrey, where councillors for two new unitary authorities were elected in May, will not be affected by this review. The government has confirmed that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will go ahead using existing council boundaries.
The proposals originated under Sir Keir Starmer's government, with Angela Rayner initially serving as local government secretary. The government had been facing legal challenges regarding the reorganisation plans in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.