Legal advice prompts delay for restructuring plans except in Surrey
Author: LDRS James Moules + Will HarrisPublished 2 minutes ago
Major reforms to local government across England, involving the replacement of two-tier councils with larger unitary authorities, have been halted, although Surrey will remain largely unaffected by this decision.
The government has paused plans for restructuring more than a dozen authorities due to fresh legal advice.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to address the issue, as reported by the BBC, telling MPs that the pause is necessary to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
“ 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.
“And secondly, I want 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.”
Surrey’s planned reorganisation is not affected by this pause.
The elections for its two “shadow authorities” have already occurred.
These shadow authorities currently oversee the transition phase and will formally become the councils for East and West Surrey from April 2027.
For other authorities, local elections are expected to proceed next year using the existing council boundaries.
A Local Government Association (LGA) spokesperson emphasised the importance of planning certainty for councils, urging the government to collaborate closely with local authorities in any future reorganisation processes.
“Councils need certainty to plan how to deliver vital services to residents and meet demand pressures, and, as we said in July, their expert view needs to be embedded in LGR decision-making.
“Ministers must now set a clear timetable and ensure councils are not left to pick up the bill.
“This review must therefore be used by government to work in true partnership with councils to provide clarity in putting right its own mistakes.
“The LGA stands ready to use our power to convene our membership councils to ensure any future reform is shaped locally and based on what works for residents.”