An outline of the programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas and neighbouring unitary councils, including Government updates and key milestones.
Background and context
On 5 February, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon, wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to formally invite proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR).
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act (2026) aims to simplify the process to undertake reorganisation.
Areas submitted interim plans by 21 March, and full proposals will follow later in the year at the end of November. The Government will follow the established assessment and decision-making process, with a view to undertake elections in May 2027 ahead of the establishment of new local authorities in April 2028.
Surrey, and those areas on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), will move at greater speed.
The final decision for Surrey was made at the end of October 2025, with a decision for two unitary authorities. Elections for the two new authorities took place in May 2026, ahead of vesting day in April 2027.
Areas on the DPP submitted their final proposals in September 2025, with a view to undertaking elections for the new authorities in May 2027 ahead of go live in April 2028
Non-DPP areas are due to submit their final proposals by 28 November, with a view to undertaking elections for the new authorities in May 2027 ahead of go live in April 2028.
The LGA has a strong track record of supporting councils at every stage of devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR), including addressing specific challenges such as workforce implications. Our universal support offer remains available to all councils. To find out more, including details of additional tailored support, we encourage areas to contact their Principal Advisers’.
Key announcements and updates from Government
Ministerial briefings and updates from Government to all areas going through LGR can be read on the MHCLG website which is updated regularly.