Local government reorganisation timeline confirmed

The Government confirmed the timeline for local government reorganisation on 5 February 2025, when the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution invited councils in two-tier areas to develop proposals for unitary local government. The English Devolution White Paper was published on 16 December 2024, outlining the government’s vision, and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 10 July 2025. Councils were invited to submit interim reorganisation plans by 21 March 2025, with full proposals due by 28 November 2025.

The objective is to establish new unitary authorities by April 2028, following elections in May 2027. This means the two-tier system of borough, county and district councils will be replaced with single-tier unitary authorities responsible for all local government functions. I am monitoring this closely and ensuring local voices are heard in the process.