The Government has confirmed the next steps in its review of local government reorganisation, saying it is minded to go ahead with new unitary councils in five areas of England. The announcement, made on Thursday 29 October, follows a review launched last month and comes days after the Autumn Budget. Ministers said the programme remains part of a wider plan to move power from Westminster to local communities, and that at least three weeks will be allowed for further representations before final decisions are taken.

Five areas move forward

The five areas where the Government is minded to proceed are East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, under a two-unitary proposal with a boundary change except for the parish of Falmer; Gloucestershire, under a single unitary proposal; Oxfordshire, under a three-unitary proposal including boundary changes; Warwickshire, under a two-unitary proposal; and Worcestershire, also under a two-unitary proposal. Surrey is unaffected, with two new unitary authorities for East and West Surrey still due to go live in April 2027.

Nine areas go back to the drawing board

Nine areas, including Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, Kent and Medway, and Lancashire, have now had their decisions withdrawn and will be reconsidered, as part of 15 areas remaining under review in total. Ministers stressed that withdrawing a decision does not cancel reorganisation in those areas, and every area will have an outcome by early next year. Local elections in the affected areas will still go ahead in May 2027 on existing boundaries, while new councils are planned for 2029, with elections to shadow councils in May 2028. Areas with previous decisions will also share funding from a £63 million capacity fund to cover costs already incurred.

Sources: GOV.UK, Charnwood Borough Council.