Upcoming structural changes to local government in England
- Continuing current authorities
- Upcoming unitary authorities to be established in 2027
- Upcoming or expanding unitary authorities planned to be established in 2028
- Current districts awaiting decision
Proposed structural changes to local government in England were set out in the English Devolution White Paper published by the UK government on 16 December 2024. The purpose of the change is to introduce unitary local government in nineteen areas where services are currently provided by both county councils and district councils. The proposed changes follow similar waves of reorganisation which took place in 1995–1998, 2009 and 2019–2023. The process runs alongside, but separate to, the establishment of strategic authorities in England as part of English devolution.
The first elections to East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council took place on 7 May 2026, with the new councils operating as "shadow authorities" until they take over local government responsibilities on 1 April 2027. It is intended that the first elections to all remaining new unitary councils will take place on 6 May 2027, with the councils taking over local government responsibilities on 1 April 2028. A decision has not yet been made on the structural changes to Cambridgeshire or West Sussex.
Background
[edit]
Changes to local government structures, such as the replacement of district and county councils with unitary authorities, became possible with secondary legislation following the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.[1] Prior to that there had been a Local Government Commission for England to recommend structural changes which took place between 1995 and 1998.[2] Under the 2007 legislation, rounds of reorganisation took place in 2009 and 2019–2023. Several large unitary authorities were created in 13 ceremonial county areas, either by replacing a two-tier county council and its two-tier non-metropolitan district councils with a single unitary council (in Cornwall, County Durham, Northumberland, Shropshire, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, North Yorkshire, Somerset) or by dividing the county area into two or more new unitary councils (in Bedfordshire, Cheshire, Dorset, Northamptonshire, Cumbria).
Summary
[edit]As of July 2026[update], the status of local government reorganisation across the government's 19 invitation areas is as follows:[3][4]
| Reorganisation area | Status | Consultation dates | Statutory instrument | First election | Vesting day | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | ||||||
| Surrey | Confirmed | 17 June 2025 | 5 August 2025 | 2026 No. 264 | 7 May 2026 | 1 April 2027 | [5][6] |
| Essex, Southend-on-Sea, Thurrock | Decided, subject to judicial review | 19 November 2025 | 11 January 2026 | [7] | |||
| Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton | Decided, subject to judicial review | 19 November 2025 | 11 January 2026 | [8] | |||
| Norfolk, Suffolk | Decided, subject to judicial review | 19 November 2025 | 11 January 2026 | [9][10] | |||
| East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, West Sussex |
|
19 November 2025 | 11 January 2026 | [11][12] | |||
| 12 May 2026 | 15 June 2026 | ||||||
| Derbyshire, Derby | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [13] | |||
| Devon, Plymouth, Torbay | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [14] | |||
| Gloucestershire | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [15] | |||
| Hertfordshire | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [16] | |||
| Kent, Medway | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [17] | |||
| Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [18] | |||
| Leicestershire, Leicester, Rutland | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [19] | |||
| Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [20] | |||
| Nottinghamshire, Nottingham | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [21] | |||
| Oxfordshire | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [22] | |||
| Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [23] | |||
| Warwickshire | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [24] | |||
| Worcestershire | Decided | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [25] | |||
| Cambridgeshire, Peterborough | Awaiting ministerial decision | 5 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | [26] | |||
Decided reorganisations
[edit]Reorganisation policy
[edit]The Labour Party returned to power following a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, and in her Autumn budget statement, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves outlined that a forthcoming English Devolution Bill would include plans for "working with councils to move to simpler structures that make sense for their local areas", suggesting that a new round of local government reorganisation could be likely.[35][36]
The English Devolution White Paper indicated that, where possible, the remaining two-tier local government areas in England—where services are provided by both county councils and district councils—should be reorganised into a smaller number of unitary authorities, where local services are provided by a single council. New unitary councils would be expected to have "a population of 500,000 or more, but there may be exceptions to ensure new structures make sense for an area, including for devolution, and decisions will be on a case-by-case basis". The local government reorganisation programme would cover the 21 remaining ceremonial counties in England with two-tier local government. It would also include neighbouring unitary local government areas "where there is evidence of failure" or where the existing unitary council's "size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services".[37][38][39][40]
In February 2026, the House of Commons Library published a local government reorganisation 2026 research briefing.[41]
In 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed committed to completing local government reorganisation "within this Parliament".[42]
Devolution Priority Programme
[edit]In November 2024, it was reported that Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Norfolk, and Suffolk would be included in the first wave of local authority reorganisation with the two-tier system of county councils and district councils being replaced by unitary authorities.[43][44] However, this turned out to be incorrect and in February 2025 the government announced that the following six areas would join the Devolution Priority Programme:[45][46]
- Cheshire and Warrington
- Cumbria
- Greater Essex
- Hampshire and the Solent
- Norfolk and Suffolk
- Sussex and Brighton
The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority and Cumbria Combined Authority were established on 24 February 2026, with inaugural mayoral elections scheduled for 6 May 2027.[47][48] These two areas already have a fully unitary system of local government, following local government reorganisation in 2009 and 2023.
Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is coterminous with the unitary authorities of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington, within the ceremonial county of Cheshire.[49]
Cumbria Combined Authority is coterminous with the unitary authorities of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness, which comprise the ceremonial county of Cumbria.[50]
All existing two-tier and unitary authorities in the Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton areas were asked to submit final proposals for local government reorganisation to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government by the end of September 2025. The government held statutory consultations on these proposals from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026. Decisions on which proposals to implement were expected to be announced by March 2026. Secondary legislation would be required to implement these changes, followed by elections to the new shadow unitary authorities which would be expected to take place on 6 May 2027. The new unitary authorities would then be established on 1 April 2028.[51]
On 31 March 2026, the House of Commons Library published maps of the newly proposed unitary authorities in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, along with a full list of the parishes that would be split from existing non-metropolitan districts under these proposals.[52]
Greater Essex
[edit]Greater Essex was announced as part of the priority programme on 5 February 2025. The May 2025 local elections that would have taken place in Essex and Thurrock were cancelled.[53][54] Some of the May 2026 local elections in Greater Essex were cancelled and then later reinstated.[55][56]
Greater Essex Combined County Authority will be coterminous with the ceremonial county of Essex.
Essex, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock
[edit].svg)
Essex is administered by Essex County Council, twelve non-metropolitan districts and two unitary authorities:
- Uttlesford
- Braintree
- Colchester
- Tendring
- Harlow
- Epping Forest
- Chelmsford
- Maldon
- Brentwood
- Basildon
- Rochford
- Castle Point
- Southend-on-Sea (unitary)
- Thurrock (unitary)
Proposals
In early December 2024, Basildon councillors proposed a five unitary authority model for the county.[57]
Later in December 2024, it was reported that the government would reorganise Essex into two or three local authorities with over 500,000 people each, with the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea to be abolished and merged with other areas of the county and local elections likely to be postponed until 2026.[58] Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley confirmed that his council would ask the government to postpone local elections for the unitary and two-tier authorities of Essex to prepare for the county's reorganisation.[59]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 26 September 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 unitary authorities | North Essex |
|
|
| Mid Essex |
| ||
| South Essex |
| ||
| 4 unitary authorities
(Thurrock Council proposal) |
North Essex |
|
Thurrock Council |
| East Essex |
| ||
| South Essex |
| ||
| West Essex |
| ||
| 4 unitary authorities
(Rochford Council proposal) |
North Essex |
|
Rochford District Council |
| Central Essex |
| ||
| South Essex |
| ||
| West Essex |
| ||
| 5 unitary authorities | South East Essex |
|
|
| South West Essex |
| ||
| West Essex |
| ||
| Mid Essex |
| ||
| North East Essex |
| ||
 | |||
| Note: Modelling by PwC suggests the 3 county council structure, supported by the county council, will net a benefit of £86m.[60] | |||
Government consultation on these four proposals ran from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.[61][62]
Decision
On 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Essex would be reorganised per the five unitary authorities proposal.[63][29][52][27]
- West Essex, comprising the areas currently covered by Epping Forest, Harlow, and Uttlesford (2024 population 330,792).
- North East Essex, comprising the areas currently covered by Braintree, Colchester, and Tendring (2024 population 521,285).
- Mid Essex, comprising the areas currently covered by Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Maldon (2024 population 337,260).
- South West Essex, comprising the areas currently covered by Basildon and Thurrock (2024 population 374,621).
- South East Essex, comprising the areas currently covered by Castle Point, Rochford, and Southend-on-Sea (2024 population 365,652).
Essex County Council set out the basis for a legal challenge to the decision in May 2026 and indicated it would continue with judicial review in June 2026.[64][65]
Hampshire and the Solent
[edit]Hampshire and the Solent was announced as part of the priority programme on 5 February 2025. The May 2025 local elections that would have taken place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were cancelled.[54]
Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority was established on 4 June 2026, with an inaugural mayoral election scheduled for 4 May 2028.[66] This area is coterminous with the ceremonial counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton
[edit]
Hampshire is administered by Hampshire County Council, eleven non-metropolitan districts and two unitary authorities:
- Test Valley
- Basingstoke and Deane
- Hart
- Rushmoor
- Winchester
- East Hampshire
- New Forest
- Southampton (unitary)
- Eastleigh
- Fareham
- Gosport
- Portsmouth (unitary)
- Havant
The Isle of Wight is administered by a single unitary authority, Isle of Wight Council.
Proposals
In February 2025, the Hampshire County Council leader said that it is unlikely that the unitarisation of the county would follow current district boundaries.[67] The interim proposal submitted by district councils on 21 March 2025 stated that the Isle of Wight should remain its own council rather than being merged with mainland authorities. It also set out analysis for the mainland authorities to be based on the economic geographies of Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton, and Portsmouth, without making a decision on the number of unitaries.[68]
Initially all 15 authorities (13 Hampshire districts, Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council) formed a group to bring forward a single proposal, assessing eight options for between 2 and 5 unitary authorities across the two ceremonial counties. They ultimately agreed to base their proposals on four mainland councils for Hampshire, with the Isle of Wight remaining unchanged despite falling below the 500,000 mark.[69] However, subsequent to this, Hampshire County Council, East Hampshire District Council, and Gosport Borough Council announced that they were leaving the joint process. Hampshire and East Hampshire began their own process.[70] Gosport fully opposed the local government reorganisation process.[71]
The remaining 12 councils ultimately agreed to work on a business case with three proposals. Each proposal included four Hampshire authorities and the Isle of Wight remaining separate, but they had differing plans for the New Forest. Option 1 and Option 2 were simple mergers of districts, whilst Option 1A included proposed boundary changes. Option 1A proposed including four parishes from the New Forest and three parishes from Test Valley in an authority based around the Southampton area and including three parishes from East Hampshire and one parish from Winchester in an authority based around the Portsmouth area.[72] A shared vision entitled Close enough to be local big enough to stay strong was published by the 12 councils, with each district due to vote on their preferred option in September 2025.[73] In July 2025, a local consultation opened on these three options.[74]
Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council meanwhile proposed three mainland authorities, with the Isle of Wight remaining unchanged.[75]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 26 September 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 unitary authorities | Mid North Hampshire |
|
|
| West Hampshire |
| ||
| South East Hampshire |
| ||
| Isle of Wight | (unchanged) | ||
| Option 1
5 unitary authorities |
North Hampshire |
|
|
| Mid Hampshire |
| ||
| South West Hampshire |
| ||
| South East Hampshire |
| ||
| Isle of Wight | (unchanged) | ||
| Option 1A
5 unitary authorities |
North Hampshire |
|
|
| Mid Hampshire |
| ||
| South West Hampshire |
| ||
| South East Hampshire |
| ||
| Isle of Wight | (unchanged) | ||
| Option 2
5 unitary authorities |
North Hampshire |
|
Winchester City Council |
| Mid Hampshire |
| ||
| South West Hampshire |
| ||
| South East Hampshire |
| ||
| Isle of Wight | (unchanged) | ||
 | |||
| Option 1A split districts: * 4 parishes from New Forest to South West Hampshire: Totton and Eling, Marchwood, Hythe and Dibden, Fawley * 3 parishes from Test Valley to South West Hampshire: Valley Park, Nursling and Rownhams, Chilworth * 3 parishes from East Hampshire to South East Hampshire: Clanfield, Horndean, Rowlands Castle * 1 parish from Winchester to South East Hampshire: Newlands | |||
| Note: Gosport Borough Council and Isle of Wight Council did not submit proposals. | |||
Government consultation on these four proposals ran from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.[76]
Decision
On 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Hampshire would be reorganised into four unitary authorities per Option 1A.[77][29][52][27]
- North Hampshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Basingstoke and Deane, Hart, and Rushmoor (2024 population 402,023).
- Mid Hampshire, comprising the areas currently covered by East Hampshire (less 3 parishes), New Forest (less 4 parishes), Test Valley (less 3 parishes), and Winchester (less 1 parish) (2024 population 465,630).
- South West Hampshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Eastleigh, Southampton, 4 parishes from New Forest, and 3 parishes from Test Valley (2024 population 487,060).
- South East Hampshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, 3 parishes from East Hampshire, and 1 parish from Winchester (2024 population 566,246).
This decision confirms that the Isle of Wight unitary authority will remain unchanged.[77]
In June 2026, Hampshire county council confirmed it would challenge the decision through a judicial review.[78][79]
Norfolk and Suffolk
[edit]Norfolk and Suffolk was announced as part of the priority programme on 5 February 2025. The May 2025 local elections that would have taken place in Norfolk and Suffolk were cancelled.[54] The elections in May 2026 were initially cancelled, but were later reinstated.[80]
Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority will be coterminous with the ceremonial counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Norfolk
[edit]
Norfolk is administered by Norfolk County Council and seven non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 26 September 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by | Proposal maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 unitary authority[82] | Norfolk |
|
Norfolk County Council |  |
| 2 unitary authorities[83][84] | West and North Norfolk |
|
South Norfolk District Council |  |
| Norwich and East Norfolk |
| |||
| 3 unitary authorities[85] | West Norfolk |
|
 | |
| Greater Norwich |
| |||
| East Norfolk |
| |||
| Note: In February 2026, the leader of Norfolk County Council said the authority intended to withdraw from the reorganisation process.[86] | ||||
Government consultation on these three Norfolk proposals ran from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.[87]
Decision
On 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Norfolk would be reorganised per the three unitary authorities proposal.[88][29][52][27]
- West Norfolk, comprising the areas currently covered by Breckland, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk (2024 population 309,737).
- East Norfolk, comprising the areas currently covered by Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, Broadland (less 19 parishes), and South Norfolk (less 25 parishes) (2024 population 340,956).
- Greater Norwich, comprising the areas currently covered by Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk (2024 population 289,666).
Norfolk County Council began a judicial review of the decision in June 2026.[79]
Suffolk
[edit].svg)
Suffolk is administered by Suffolk County Council and five non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 26 September 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by | Proposal maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Suffolk
1 unitary authority[89] |
Suffolk |
|
Suffolk County Council |  |
| 3 unitary authorities[90][91] | Ipswich and Southern Suffolk |
|
||
| Western Suffolk: |
| |||
| Central and Eastern Suffolk |
|
Government consultation on these two Suffolk proposals ran from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.[87]
Decision
On 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Suffolk would be reorganised per the three unitary authorities proposal.[30][29][52][27]
- Western Suffolk, comprising the areas currently covered by West Suffolk, Babergh (less 31 parishes), and 21 parishes from Mid Suffolk (2024 population 268,568).
- Central and Eastern Suffolk, comprising the areas currently covered by East Suffolk (less 25 parishes) and Mid Suffolk (less 29 parishes) (2024 population 260,532).
- Ipswich and South Suffolk, comprising the areas currently covered by Ipswich, 31 parishes from Babergh, 25 parishes from East Suffolk, and 8 parishes from Mid Suffolk (2024 population 257,131).
Suffolk County Council began a judicial review of the decision in June 2026.[92]
Sussex and Brighton
[edit]Sussex and Brighton was announced as part of the priority programme on 5 February 2025. The May 2025 local elections that would have taken place in East Sussex and West Sussex were cancelled.[54] The elections in May 2026 were initially cancelled, but were later reinstated.[80]
Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority was established on 26 March 2026, with an inaugural mayoral election scheduled for 4 May 2028.[93] This area is coterminous with the ceremonial counties of East Sussex and West Sussex.
East Sussex and Brighton and Hove
[edit].svg)
East Sussex is administered by East Sussex County Council, five non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
- Brighton and Hove (unitary)
- Lewes
- Wealden
- Eastbourne
- Rother
- Hastings
West Sussex
[edit]
West Sussex is administered by West Sussex County Council and seven non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals (East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and West Sussex)
East Sussex County Council covers a population of 550,000 and has proposed a direct replacement of the county council and five district councils with a single unitary authority.[94] Brighton and Hove City Council, which is already a unitary authority with a population of 283,870, proposed that the border between itself and the new East Sussex unitary should be altered to include East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs, and Peacehaven within Brighton and Hove (the area coterminous with the Lewes parishes of Telscombe and Peacehaven). They consulted locally on whether to propose expanding further into either or both of the Lewes parish of Newhaven and the Lewes ward of Kingston (which comprises the parishes of Piddinghoe, Southease, Rodmell, Iford, Kingston near Lewes, St Ann (Without), and Falmer).[95]
West Sussex County Council covers a population of 900,000 and originally proposed either one large or two smaller unitary authorities, dependent on whether Crawley remains in West Sussex or is moved to Surrey,[96] and whether Brighton and Hove would expand its territory.[97]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 26 September 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposals for West Sussex | |||
| 1 unitary authority[98] | West Sussex |
|
West Sussex County Council |
| 2 unitary authorities[99] | "Unitary A" |
|
|
| "Unitary B" |
| ||
| Proposal for East Sussex and Brighton and Hove | |||
| 2 unitary authorities[100] | Brighton and Hove | (unchanged) | |
| East Sussex |
| ||
| Pan-Sussex proposal | |||
| 5 unitary authorities[101] | "Unitary A" |
|
Brighton and Hove City Council |
| "Unitary B" |
| ||
| "Unitary C" |
| ||
| "Unitary D" |
| ||
| "Unitary E" |
| ||
 | |||
| Note: Wealden District Council did not submit a proposal. | |||
Government consultation on these four proposals ran from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.[102]
On 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that he had not yet taken a decision on the proposals for East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and West Sussex and would undertake a further technical consultation after the 2026 United Kingdom local elections to seek comments on a newly suggested proposal for the following 4 council structure across the whole Sussex area:[103][29]
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority |
|---|---|---|
| 4 unitary authorities | "Unitary A" |
|
| "Unitary B" |
| |
| "Unitary C" |
| |
| "Unitary D" |
| |
 |
This government further technical consultation ran from 12 May 2026 to 15 June 2026.[104][105]
Decision (East Sussex and Brighton and Hove)
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of East Sussex would be reorganised into two unitary authorities per the Secretary of State’s proposal for further technical consultation, with the exception of one part-ward from Lewes. Falmer parish (a part of Kingston ward) would instead be in the new East Sussex authority.[106][31][52][27]
- Brighton and Hove, comprising the areas currently covered by Brighton and Hove and 4 wards from Lewes (coterminous with 2 parishes) (2024 population 307,521).
- East Sussex, comprising the areas currently covered by Eastbourne, Hastings, Rother, Wealden, and Lewes (less 4 wards) (2024 population 537,231).
Surrey
[edit]Surrey was not part of the Devolution Priority Programme announced on 5 February 2025. However, the need to reorganise local government was considered urgent enough that the May 2025 local elections that would have taken place in Surrey were cancelled.[45][54] The government intended that Surrey would move to a unitary structure faster than other areas, with the new councils becoming operational in 2027.[51]
.svg)
The Surrey invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Surrey. It is currently administered by Surrey County Council and eleven non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals
[edit]Proposals to government were submitted by all 12 of the affected councils on 9th May 2025 (see table below for details).
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 unitary authorities | West Surrey |
|
||
| East Surrey |
| |||
| 3 unitary authorities | North Surrey |
|
||
| West Surrey |
| |||
| East Surrey |
|
Government consultation on these two proposals ran from 17 June – 5 August 2025.[107]
Decision
[edit]
On 28 October 2025, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Surrey would be reorganised per the two unitary authorities proposal.[108][28][109][52][27]
- West Surrey, comprising the areas currently covered by Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking (2024 population 685,006).
- East Surrey, comprising the areas currently covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, and Tandridge (2024 population 563,643).
Outcome
Secondary legislation was made on 9 March 2026.[6] The first elections to the new authorities were in May 2026, with vesting day on 1 April 2027.[110][111]
Remaining two-tier areas
[edit]In February 2025, the government wrote to the councils in the 14 remaining 2-tier areas and neighbouring small unitary councils,[112] asking for proposals to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government by the end of November 2025.[113] The government held statutory consultations on these proposals from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026. Decisions on which proposals to implement are expected to be announced before the summer of 2026. Secondary legislation would be required to implement these changes, followed by elections to the new shadow unitary authorities which would be expected to take place on 6 May 2027. The new authorities would then be established on 1 April 2028.[51]
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
[edit]
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Cambridgeshire. It is administered by Cambridgeshire County Council, five non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
Proposals
[edit]In November 2024, the former leader of Fenland District Council, and the leader of the Liberal Democrat group on East Cambridgeshire District Council urged that Cambridgeshire be included in the next round of local government reorganisation.[114]
Following the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill in December 2024 and the subsequent invitation to councils to consider boundaries for the new Unitaries, councils began their deliberations as to their preferred models.
- On 21 October, Cambridgeshire County Council's decided on Option A.[115]
- On 7 November, Fenland agreed to support Option D.[116]
- On 12 November, the City of Peterborough Council also backed Option D, confirmed by its Cabinet meeting on 18 November.[117]
- On 19 November, Huntingdonshire District Council agreed that Option E was its favoured choice. This is subject to a Council Cabinet meeting on 24 November.[118]
- On 20 November, City of Cambridge backed Option B.[119]
- Also on 20 November, East Cambridgeshire chose Option B.[120]
- On 24 November, South Cambridgeshire adopted Option B by 21 votes to 6.[121]
While MPs are not part of the current consultation process, the MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty raised the matter in Parliament and expressed his support for Option E. [122]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option A
2 unitary authorities |
North west |
|
Cambridgeshire County Council | |
| South east |
| |||
| Option B
2 unitary authorities |
North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough |
|
||
| Greater Cambridge |
| |||
| Option D
3 unitary authorities |
Greater Peterborough |
|
||
| Mid Cambridgeshire |
| |||
| Greater Cambridge |
| |||
| Option E
3 unitary authorities |
North |
|
Huntingdonshire District Council | |
| South |
| |||
| Huntingdonshire | Huntingdonshire |
Government consultation on these four proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.
A decision has not yet been taken, one of two counties where this is the case (the other being West Sussex).[123]
Derbyshire and Derby
[edit].svg)
The Derbyshire and Derby invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. It is administered by Derbyshire County Council, eight non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
- High Peak
- Derbyshire Dales
- South Derbyshire
- Erewash
- Amber Valley
- North East Derbyshire
- Chesterfield
- Bolsover
- Derby (unitary)
Proposals
[edit]In August 2025, Derbyshire's district, borough, and city councils agreed on three options for further consideration, referred to as Option A, Option B, and Option C. All three proposals would see the area covered by two authorities, with one council covering the southern part of the county (including the city of Derby), and the other covering the northern part of the county.[124]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Council Proposal
1 unitary authority |
Derbyshire | All Derbyshire authorities | Derbyshire County Council | |
| Proposal A
2 unitary authorities (Amber Valley in Northern Derbyshire) |
Northern Derbyshire |
|
Amber Valley Borough Council | |
| Southern Derbyshire |
| |||
| Proposal A1
2 unitary authorities (Amber Valley spilt between both Southern Derbyshire) |
Northern Derbyshire |
|
||
| Southern Derbyshire |
| |||
| Proposal B
2 unitary authorities (Amber Valley in Southern Derbyshire) |
Northern Derbyshire |
|
South Derbyshire District Council | |
| Southern Derbyshire |
| |||
| Proposal B1
2 unitary authorities (Amber Valley spilt between both Southern Derbyshire) |
Northern Derbyshire |
|
||
| Southern Derbyshire |
| |||
| Note: Derbyshire Dales District Council did not submit a proposal. | ||||
Government consultation on these five proposals (including the four sub-proposals for Amber Valley) ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[126]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Derbyshire would be reorganised into two unitary authorities per Proposal B1. [127][31][52][27]
- Derbyshire North, comprising the areas currently covered by Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, North East Derbyshire, and Amber Valley (less 14 parishes) (2024 population 545,201).
- Derbyshire South, comprising the areas currently covered by Derby, Erewash, South Derbyshire, and 14 parishes from Amber Valley (2024 population 551,325).
Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay
[edit].svg)
The Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Devon. It is administered by Devon County Council, eight non-metropolitan districts and two unitary authorities:
- North Devon
- Torridge
- Mid Devon
- East Devon
- Exeter
- West Devon
- Teignbridge
- Plymouth (unitary)
- South Hams
- Torbay (unitary)
Proposals
[edit]In September 2025, Devon County Council proposed that the entire area covered by the county council become a single unitary authority, with Plymouth and Torbay remaining as unitary authorities on their existing borders. This plan was critisiced by Exeter City Council, who proposed that Exeter be expanded to become a unitary authority of its own. Plymouth City Council also proposed expanding into areas currently covered by the county council, whilst Torbay had yet to decide on a final proposal.[128] Devon's other district councils proposed an alternative structure, known as the "1-4-5 plan", which envisages that Plymouth would continue as a unitary authority on its existing boundary, whilst the remainder of the county (including Torbay) would be divided two authorities.[129]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Council Proposal 3 unitary authorities |
Plymouth | (unchanged) | Devon County Council | |
| Torbay | (unchanged) | |||
| Devon |
| |||
| District Councils Main Proposal 3 unitary authorities |
Exeter and Northern Devon |
|
||
| Plymouth | (unchanged) | |||
| Torbay and Southern Devon |
| |||
| District Councils Modified Proposal 3 unitary authorities |
Exeter and Northern Devon |
|
||
| Plymouth (expanded) |
| |||
| Torbay and Southern Devon |
| |||
| Exeter & Plymouth Proposal 4 unitary authorities |
Exeter (expanded) |
|
||
| Plymouth (expanded) |
| |||
| Torbay (expanded) |
| |||
| Devon Coast and Countryside |
| |||
| Torbay Proposal 4 unitary authorities |
Exeter (expanded) |
|
Torbay Council | |
| Plymouth (expanded) |
| |||
| Torbay | (unchanged) | |||
| Rural Devon Coast and Countryside |
|
Government consultation on these five proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[130]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Devon would be reorganised into four unitary authorities as proposed by Exeter and Plymouth.[131][31][52][27]
- Exeter, comprising the areas currently covered by Exeter, 28 parishes from East Devon, 6 parishes from Mid Devon, and 15 parishes from Teignbridge (2024 population 264,574).
- Greater Plymouth, comprising the areas currently covered by Plymouth and 13 parishes from South Hams (2024 population 307,315).
- Torbay and South Devon, comprising the areas currently covered by Torbay, 5 parishes from South Hams, and 16 parishes from Teignbridge (2024 population 222,822).
- Devon, comprising the areas currently covered by North Devon, Torridge, West Devon, East Devon (less 28 parishes), Mid Devon (less 6 parishes), South Hams (less 18 parishes), and Teignbridge (less 31 parishes) (2024 population 459,795).
Gloucestershire
[edit].svg)
The Gloucestershire invitation area is coterminous with the Gloucestershire county council area. It forms the majority of the ceremonial county of Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire ceremonial county is administered by Gloucestershire County Council, six non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
Proposals
[edit]South Gloucestershire forms part of the West of England Combined Authority. It is outside of the government's Gloucestershire invitation area and is not expected to undergo any changes. For the remainder of the county (the county council area) as of August 2025 three options were under consideration:[132]
- One council covering the whole county council area.
- Two councils with an eastern authority and a western authority.
- Two councils with a "Greater Gloucester" authority and another authority covering the remainder of the county council area.
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 unitary authority | Gloucestershire | All Gloucestershire county council area authorities | ||
| 2 unitary authorities | East Gloucestershire |
|
Cheltenham Borough Council | |
| West Gloucestershire |
| |||
| 2 unitary authorities (with parish split) | Greater Gloucester City |
|
Gloucester City Council | |
| Gloucestershire |
| |||
| Note: Forest of Dean District Council did not submit a proposal, nor did South Gloucestershire Council which is outside of the government's invitation area. | ||||
Government consultation on these three proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[133]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the Gloucestershire county council area would be reorganised per the single unitary authority proposal.[134][31][52][27][135]
This decision confirms that South Gloucestershire unitary authority will remain unchanged and the ceremonial county of Gloucestershire would comprise two unitary authorities.
- Gloucestershire, comprising the areas currently covered by Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud, and Tewkesbury (2024 population 669,380).
- South Gloucestershire (unchanged).
Hertfordshire
[edit]Hertfordshire did not bid to become part of the priority programme.[136]
.svg)
The Hertfordshire invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Hertfordshire. It is administered by Hertfordshire County Council and ten non-metropolitan districts:
- North Hertfordshire
- Stevenage
- East Hertfordshire
- Dacorum
- St Albans
- Welwyn Hatfield
- Broxbourne
- Three Rivers
- Watford
- Hertsmere
Proposals
[edit]In May 2025, the leaders of all eleven Hertfordshire councils jointly agreed that a single unitary authority covering the entire county – an area with a population of 1.2 million – would be too remote to maintain democratic accountability. The councils jointly proposed three options:[137]
- Option A: Two authorities: West Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire
- Option B: Three authorities: West Hertfordshire, Central Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire
- Option C: Four authorities: West Hertfordshire, Southwest Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire, Central Hertfordshire.
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal A:
2 unitary authorities |
West Hertfordshire |
|
||
| East Hertfordshire |
| |||
| Proposal B: 3 unitary authorities | West Hertfordshire |
|
||
| Central Hertfordshire |
| |||
| East Hertfordshire |
| |||
| Proposal C: 4 unitary authorities | North West Hertfordshire |
|
||
| South West Hertfordshire |
| |||
| Central Hertfordshire |
| |||
| East Hertfordshire |
|
Government consultation on these three proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[138]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Hertfordshire would be reorganised into four unitary authorities per Option C, with the exception of one ward from North Hertfordshire. Arbury ward would instead be in the new Central Hertfordshire authority.[139][31][52][27]
- West Hertfordshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Dacorum, and St Albans (2024 population 312,432).
- South West Hertfordshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Hertsmere, Three Rivers, and Watford (2024 population 313,190).
- Central Hertfordshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Stevenage, North Hertfordshire (less 5 wards), and Welwyn Hatfield (less 1 ward) (2024 population 322,394).
- East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne, comprising the areas currently covered by Broxbourne, East Hertfordshire, 5 wards from North Hertfordshire, and 1 ward from Welwyn Hatfield (2024 population 288,175).
Kent and Medway
[edit].svg)
The Kent and Medway invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Kent. It is administered by Kent County Council, twelve non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
Kent County Council and Medway Council applied for a devolution deal in January 2025 which would include a Mayor of Kent above several unitary authorities.[140] In February 2025 it was announced that Kent would not be part of the priority programme.[141]
Proposals
[edit]In July 2025, the county council suggested a split into three unitary authorities: West Kent, North Kent, and East Kent.[142]
Medway Council suggested a four-authority plan including realignment of the existing Maidstone/Medway boundary.[143]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1a
1 unitary authority |
Kent | All Kent authorities (including Medway) | Kent County Council | |
| 3a
3 unitary authorities |
North Kent |
|
||
| West Kent |
| |||
| East Kent |
| |||
| 4b
4 unitary authorities |
North Kent |
|
||
| West Kent |
| |||
| Mid Kent |
| |||
| East Kent |
| |||
| 4d
4 unitary authorities (with district split) |
North Kent |
|
||
| West Kent |
| |||
| Mid Kent |
| |||
| East Kent |
| |||
| 5a
5 unitary authorities |
North Kent | Dartford, Gravesham, 11 parishes and unparished area west of River Medway from Medway, 2 parishes from Sevenoaks | ||
| Mid Kent |
| |||
| East Kent |
| |||
| West Kent |
| |||
| South Kent |
|
Government consultation on these five proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[144]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Kent would be reorganised into four unitary authorities per Option 4b. [145][31][52][27]
- North Kent, comprising the areas currently covered by Dartford, Gravesham, and Medway (2024 population 528,337).
- West Kent, comprising the areas currently covered by Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells (2024 population 567,062).
- Mid Kent, comprising the areas currently covered by Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe, and Swale (2024 population 411,726).
- East Kent, comprising the areas currently covered by Canterbury, Dover, and Thanet (2024 population 424,559).
Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool
[edit].svg)
The Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Lancashire. It is administered by Lancashire County Council, twelve non-metropolitan districts and two unitary authorities:
- Lancaster
- Wyre
- Blackpool (unitary)
- Fylde
- Preston
- Ribble Valley
- South Ribble
- Hyndburn
- Burnley
- Pendle
- West Lancashire
- Chorley
- Blackburn with Darwen (unitary)
- Rossendale
Proposals
[edit]In November 2024, a group of Lancashire MPs called for the replacement of the current two-tier system with a smaller number of unitary authorities. Three and four authority models were proposed.[146][147] In December 2024, the leaders of South Ribble Council and Chorley Council proposed forming a unitary authority together with West Lancashire Council.[148] As of October 2025, five options were under consideration by the county's councils:[149]
- Two councils, with a northern council and a southern council.
- Three councils, with a northern council, a western council, and an eastern council.
- Four councils, with a north-western council, a south-western council, a south-eastern council, and a north-eastern council.
- Four councils, with a different configuration.
- Five councils, with a mid-western council, a south-western council, a central council, a northern council, and an eastern council.
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 unitary authorities | North Lancashire |
|
Lancashire County Council | |
| South Lancashire |
| |||
| 3 unitary authorities | Central Lancashire |
|
||
| Coastal Lancashire |
| |||
| Pennine Lancashire |
| |||
| 4 unitary authorities | Fylde Coast |
|
||
| North Lancashire |
| |||
| Pennine Lancashire |
| |||
| South Lancashire |
| |||
| 4 unitary authorities
(with parish split) |
East Lancashire |
|
Blackpool Council | |
| North Lancashire |
| |||
| South Lancashire |
| |||
| West Lancashire |
| |||
| 5 unitary authorities | East Lancashire |
|
||
| Mid Lancashire |
| |||
| North Lancashire |
| |||
| South Lancashire |
| |||
| West Lancashire |
|
Government consultation on these five proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[150]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Lancashire would be reorganised into four unitary authorities as proposed by Chorley, Lancaster, Preston, Ribble Valley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire.[32][31][52][27]
- Fylde Coast, comprising the areas currently covered by Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre (2024 population 348,381).
- North Lancashire, comprising the areas currently covered by Lancaster, Preston, and Ribble Valley (2024 population 373,664).
- Pennine Lancashire, comprising the areas currently covered by Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, and Rossendale (2024 population 520,653).
- South Lancashire, comprising the areas currently covered by Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire (2024 population 358,947).
Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland
[edit]
The Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial counties of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire is administered by Leicestershire County Council, seven non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
- North West Leicestershire
- Charnwood
- Melton
- Harborough
- Oadby and Wigston
- Blaby
- Hinckley and Bosworth
- Leicester (unitary)
Rutland is administered by a single unitary authority, Rutland County Council District Council.
Proposals
[edit]Three rival plans emerged for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland in 2025. Leicestershire County Council proposed a "doughnut" model with a large unitary authority covering the entire area currently served by Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council. The seven non-metropolitan Leicestershire districts and Rutland County Council jointly considered proposing two smaller unitary authorities; a "North Leicestershire and Rutland Council" and a "South Leicestershire Council". Neither of these two plans seeks to change the status or boundaries of the existing Leicester City Council unitary authority.[151] A third proposal by Leicester City Council seeks to substantially expand the existing Leicester unitary authority boundary to include more of the built up areas surrounding Leicester (including Oadby, Wigston, Thurmaston, Syston, Birstall, Glen Parva, Glenfield).
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 unitary authorities | Leicester (expanded) |
|
Leicester City Council | |
| Leicestershire and Rutland |
| |||
| 2 unitary authorities | Leicester City | (unchanged) | Leicestershire County Council | |
| Leicestershire and Rutland |
| |||
| 3 unitary authorities | Leicester | (unchanged) | ||
| North Leicestershire and Rutland |
| |||
| South Leicestershire |
|
Government consultation on these three proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[152]
Decision
[edit]On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial counties of Leicestershire and Rutland would be reorganised into two unitary authorities per the Leicester City Council proposal, with the exception of six part-parishes from Charnwood and Harborough. The parishes of Ashby Magna, Dunton Bassett, Gaulby, Houghton on the Hill, Kings Norton, and Rothley would instead remain undivided and be in the new Leicestershire and Rutland authority.[153][31][52][27]
- Leicester, comprising the areas currently covered by Leicester, Oadby and Wigston, 16 parishes from Blaby, 11 parishes from Charnwood, and 7 parishes from Harborough (2024 population 613,090).
- Leicestershire and Rutland, comprising the areas currently covered by Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire, Rutland, Blaby (less 16 parishes), Charnwood (less 11 parishes), and Harborough (less 7 parishes) (2024 population 562,274).
Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and North Lincolnshire
[edit].svg)
The Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and North Lincolnshire invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Lincolnshire. It is administered by Lincolnshire County Council, seven non-metropolitan districts and two unitary authorities:
- Lincoln
- North Kesteven
- South Kesteven
- South Holland
- Boston
- East Lindsey
- West Lindsey
- North Lincolnshire (unitary)
- North East Lincolnshire (unitary)
Proposals
[edit]In March 2025, three separate proposals for the future governance of Lincolnshire were published:
- A single council for the area that currently makes up Lincolnshire County Council and a merger of the current two unitary authorities of North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire in the north of the county to make a single council however the proposed northern council would not be within the government's preferred minimum population quota of 500,000.
- Lincolnshire split into two separate unitary authorities on a north–south basis with North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, East Lindsey, and West Lindsey making up the northern council area and Lincoln, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, Boston, and South Holland making up the southern council area. Both proposed areas fall within the governments preferred minimum population quota of 500,000.
- Lincolnshire split up into three council areas, one covering Lincoln, West Lindsey, North Kesteven, and South Kesteven, the second covering East Lindsey, Boston, and South Holland, and the third covering North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. It is stated that this option is unlikely to proceed because none of the proposed areas would be within the minimum population quota.[154]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 unitary authorities | North Lincolnshire |
|
||
| South Lincolnshire |
| |||
| 4 unitary authorities | Lincoln (expanded) |
|
City of Lincoln Council | |
| Rural Lincolnshire |
| |||
| North East Lincolnshire† | (unchanged) | |||
| North Lincolnshire† | (unchanged) | |||
| 3 unitary authorities | North East Lincolnshire† | (unchanged) | ||
| North Lincolnshire† | (unchanged) | |||
| Unitary 3 | existing county council area. | |||
| 4 unitary authorities | Unitary 1 |
|
||
| Unitary 2 |
| |||
| North East Lincolnshire† | (unchanged) | |||
| North Lincolnshire† | (unchanged) | |||
| † Existing unitary authority
West Lindsey District Council did not submit a proposal. | ||||
Government consultation on these four proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026:[155]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Lincolnshire would be reorganised into four unitary authorities per the City of Lincoln Council proposal.[156][31][52][27]
- Lincoln, comprising the areas currently covered by Lincoln, 12 wards from North Kesteven, and 7 wards from West Lindsey (2024 population 208,249).
- Lincolnshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Boston, East Lindsey, South Holland, South Kesteven, North Kesteven (less 12 wards), and West Lindsey (less 7 wards) (2024 population 581,253).
- North East Lincolnshire (unchanged) (2024 population 159,911).
- North Lincolnshire (unchanged) (2024 population 171,336).
Nottinghamshire and Nottingham
[edit].svg)
The Nottinghamshire and Nottingham invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire. It is administered by Nottinghamshire County Council, seven non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
Proposals
[edit]In March 2025, the county's councils agreed to submit three options for further consideration known as Option 1b, Option 1e, and Option Bii. All three proposals would see the area covered by two authorities, with one council covering the Nottingham built-up area, and the other covering the remainder of the county:[157]
As of October 2025, the councils covering the county had been unable to agree on which option to formally submit to the UK government.[158]
Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council, and Newark and Sherwood District Council each indicated their support for Option 1e, arguing that it provided a more balanced division between urban and rural areas, as well as demonstrating "sensible geography" for the county, creating a clear north–south division that better reflected existing community and economic patterns. They also cited findings from local consultations, which suggested that Option 1e was the public's preferred option.[159]
Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council both expressed a preference for Option 1b. Supporters of this approach cited closer administrative and functional ties between those districts and the city, suggesting it would create a clearer distinction between the Nottingham urban area and the wider county.[160]
Nottingham City Council expressed support for Option Bii, arguing that the current boundaries, drawn decades earlier, were "no longer fit for purpose" and did not reflect modern patterns of growth and connectivity. It stated: "we can't let outdated boundaries or political convenience dictate our future", contending that a new configuration should reflect the city's actual economic and social footprint.[161]
Broxtowe Borough Council stated that it would oppose any reorganisation which resulted in the division of the borough between two unitary authorities, arguing that such a split would undermine local identity and the efficient delivery of services.[162]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by | Proposal maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1b | Nottingham (expanded) |
|
 | |
| Nottinghamshire |
| |||
| Option 1e | Sherwood Forest |
|
 | |
| Nottingham and South Nottinghamshire |
| |||
| Option Bii | Southwest |
|
Nottingham City Council |  |
| North and East |
| |||
| Note: Ashfield District Council and Broxtowe Borough Council did not submit proposals. | ||||
Government consultation on these three proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[163]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire would be reorganised into two unitary authorities per Option Bii.[164][31][52][27] Elections to the two unitary authorities will take place in May 2027, with the new boundaries going into effect from April 2028.[165]
- Greater Nottingham, comprising the areas currently covered by Nottingham, Broxtowe (less 5 wards), Gedling (less 4 wards), and Rushcliffe (less 7 wards) (2024 population 618,503).
- Nottinghamshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, 5 wards from Broxtowe, 4 wards from Gedling, and 7 wards from Rushcliffe (2024 population 569,587).
Oxfordshire
[edit]
The Oxfordshire invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Oxfordshire. It is administered by Oxfordshire County Council and five non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals
[edit]Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 unitary authority[166] | Oxfordshire | All Oxfordshire authorities | Oxfordshire County Council | |
| 2 unitary authorities[167][168] | Ridgeway |
|
||
| Oxford and Shires |
| |||
| 3 unitary authorities[169] | Greater Oxford |
|
Oxford City Council | |
| Northern Oxfordshire |
| |||
| Ridgeway |
| |||
| Note: West Berkshire is from the neighbouring ceremonial county of Berkshire (outside the government's invitation area) | ||||
Government consultation on these three proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[170]
Decision
[edit]On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Oxfordshire and the unitary authority of West Berkshire (in the ceremonial county of Berkshire) would be reorganised per the three unitary authorities proposal.[171][31][52][27]
- Greater Oxford, comprising the areas currently covered by Oxford, 15 parishes from Cherwell, 25 parishes from South Oxfordshire, and 9 parishes from Vale of White Horse (2024 population 234,673).
- North Oxfordshire, comprising the areas currently covered by West Oxfordshire and Cherwell (less 15 parishes) (2024 population 267,280).
- Ridgeway, comprising the areas currently covered by West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire (less 25 parishes), and Vale of White Horse (less 9 parishes) (2024 population 426,377).
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
[edit].svg)
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Staffordshire. It is administered by Staffordshire County Council, eight non-metropolitan districts and one unitary authority:
- Stoke-on-Trent (unitary)
- Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Staffordshire Moorlands
- Stafford
- East Staffordshire
- South Staffordshire
- Cannock Chase
- Lichfield
- Tamworth
Proposals
[edit]In February 2025, Stoke-on-Trent City Council proposed merging with neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands.[172] In March 2025, the district councils of Stafford, East Staffordshire, South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, and Tamworth jointly proposed a complementary unitary authority covering the six districts.[173] In October 2025 Staffordshire Moorlands proposed a modified version of this north/south split, in which the areas surrounding Uttoxeter (currently in East Staffordshire) and Stone (currently in Stafford) would also be added to the northern authority.[174]
Later that October, the district councils of Lichfield, South Staffordshire, and Tamworth proposed an alternative three-unitary model with two unitaries in the south of the county.[175]
Any north/south split is opposed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, who instead prefer the current two-tier system, a Newcastle-under-Lyme unitary authority or any other unitary authority excluding Stoke-on-Trent.[176]
Separately in February 2025, Staffordshire County Council put forward a rival proposal for a unitary authority to cover the area of the current county council.[177] However, since this proposal, the county council changed hands, with Reform UK now controlling the council. The Reform-led council instead proposed an east/west split.[178]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 unitary authorities | North Staffordshire |
|
||
| Mid and South Staffordshire |
| |||
| 2 unitary authorities | North Staffordshire |
|
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council | |
| Mid and South Staffordshire |
| |||
| 2 unitary authorities | East Staffordshire |
|
Staffordshire County Council | |
| West Staffordshire |
| |||
| 3 unitary authorities | North Staffordshire |
|
||
| South West Staffordshire |
| |||
| South East Staffordshire |
| |||
| 4 unitary authorities | Unitary A | Newcastle-under-Lyme | Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council | |
| Unitary B |
| |||
| Unitary C |
| |||
| Unitary D |
|
Government consultation on these five proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[179]
Despite the differing proposals for local government reorganisation, all councils in the county have jointly proposed a mayoral strategic authority for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.[180]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Staffordshire would be reorganised into two unitary authorities per the north/south split proposed by Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Stafford, and Stoke-on-Trent.[181][31][52][27]
- North Staffordshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Stoke-on-Trent (2024 population 494,803).
- South and Mid Staffordshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, South Staffordshire, Stafford, and Tamworth (2024 population 682,775).
Warwickshire
[edit].svg)
The Warwickshire invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Warwickshire. It is administered by Warwickshire County Council and five non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals
[edit]In October 2025, Warwickshire County Council voted to support a proposal for the entire county to become a single unitary authority, and for the county to apply to join the West Midlands Combined Authority. An alternative proposal by the county's Liberal Democrats would see Warwickshire divided into two unitary authorities on a north/south basis.[182]
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 unitary authority | Warwickshire | All Warwickshire authorities | ||
| 2 unitary authorities | North Warwickshire |
|
||
| South Warwickshire |
|
Government consultation on these two proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[183]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Warwickshire would be reorganised per the two unitary authorities proposal. [184][31][52][27]
- North Warwickshire, comprising the areas currently covered by North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Rugby (2024 population 331,060).
- South Warwickshire, comprising the areas currently covered by Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick (2024 population 301,147).
Worcestershire
[edit].svg)
The Worcestershire invitation area is coterminous with the ceremonial county of Worcestershire. It is administered by Worcestershire County Council and six non-metropolitan districts:
Proposals
[edit]Two options were considered for Worcestershire:[185]
- One option would see all seven councils replaced with a single unitary authority.[178]
- The alternative would see the county divided into two unitary authorities on a north/south basis.
Proposals to government were submitted by the following councils on 28 November 2025:
| Proposals | Proposed authorities | Composition of authority | Supported by |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 unitary authority | Worcestershire | All Worcestershire authorities | ||
| 2 unitary authorities | North Worcestershire |
|
||
| South Worcestershire |
|
Government consultation on these two proposals ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[186]
Decision
[edit]
On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that the ceremonial county of Worcestershire would be reorganised per the two unitary authorities proposal. [187][31][52][27]
- North Worcestershire, comprising the areas currently covered by Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Wyre Forest (2024 population 293,445).
- South Worcestershire, comprising the areas currently covered by Malvern Hills, Worcester, and Wychavon (2024 population 327,915).
Other proposals
[edit]The government allowed proposals to be made which affect existing neighbouring local authorities outside of the government's 19 invitation areas.
Berkshire
[edit]
The ceremonial county of Berkshire is administered by six unitary authorities:
Proposals
[edit]
West Berkshire Council has proposed to merge with the districts of Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire from the neighbouring ceremonial county of Oxfordshire to form a new unitary authority, preliminarily called 'Ridgeway Council'.[168][167] The remainder of the ceremonial county of Berkshire would be unaffected.
Separately, the leader of Reading Borough Council and the MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire has written to the Government to argue that residents of Reading's urban area who live within West Berkshire's boundaries, in suburbs such as Tilehurst, would be better served by becoming part of Reading Council rather than a council with Oxfordshire districts.[188] The Councillor for Chieveley and Cold Ash disagreed, saying West Berkshire residents would be 'dominated' by Reading and Wokingham if it became part of a council with them.[189] The leader of Reading Borough Council did not propose or mention the inclusion of West Berkshire outside of Reading suburbs nor the Borough of Wokingham. West Berkshire Council was the only Berkshire council to put forward proposals for reorganisation to government.
Government consultation on three proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Oxfordshire ran from 5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026.[170] Two of these proposals include West Berkshire. None of the proposals would affect the remainder of Berkshire.
Decision
[edit]On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced his decision that West Berkshire would be reorganised into a new 'Ridgeway' authority per the Oxfordshire three unitary proposal. This decision confirms that the remaining five Berkshire unitary authorities will remain unchanged.[171]
See also
[edit]- History of local government in England
- Local government in England
- Earlier local government reforms:
Notes
[edit]- 1 2 In the parliamentary statement made by Steve Reed on 25 March 2026, the names "Western Suffolk" and "Central and Eastern Suffolk" were reversed relative to their geographical locations,[29] however an updated letter to the council leaders in Suffolk was published the same day correcting this error.[30]
References
[edit]- ↑ Hughes, Laura (26 February 2025). "Navigating the devolution revolution: A guide for local authorities". Local Government Lawyer. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ↑ Wood, Edward (5 July 1995). "The Local Government Review in England: Research Paper 95/84" (PDF). House of Commons Library.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation: Policy and programme updates". gov.uk. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "14 more areas to benefit from streamlined local services". GOV.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ "Surrey: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- 1 2 "The Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026". legislation.gov.uk. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Norfolk: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Suffolk: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "East Sussex and Brighton and Hove: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "West Sussex: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Derbyshire and Derby: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Devon, Plymouth and Torbay: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Gloucestershire: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Hertfordshire: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Kent and Medway: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Nottinghamshire and Nottingham: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Oxfordshire: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Warwickshire: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Worcestershire: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: Local government reorganisation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "Local government reorganisation 2026–28: Full details of new unitary authorities". Parliament.UK. Retrieved 13 August 2026. Text in this article is derived from a House of Commons Library publication and contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
- 1 2 "Local Government Reorganisation: Statement made on 28 October 2025". UK Parliament. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Reed, Steve (25 March 2026). "Local Government Reorganisation Statement made on 25 March 2026". UK Parliament.
- 1 2 "Suffolk Decision Letter" (PDF). Gov.UK. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 "Local Government Reorganisation Statement made on 16 July 2026". UK Parliament. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool council leaders" (PDF). Gov.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Leaders in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland" (PDF). gov.uk. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Reed, Steve (16 July 2026). "Leaders in Warwickshire" (PDF).
- ↑ "Budget: LGR confirmed in high tax, high spend Budget". www.themj.co.uk. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
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- ↑ Moore, Henry (25 November 2024). "Labour to abolish 'dozens' of councils in biggest reform for a generation". LBC. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
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- ↑ "English Devolution White Paper". GOV.UK. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Retrieved 13 April 2026.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation 2026" (PDF). Parliament.UK. 17 February 2026. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ Carey, Adam (10 July 2026). "Reed pledges to complete local government reorganisation within this Parliament". Local Government Lawyer. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ "Call for clarity over devolution and reorganisation plans". 25 November 2024.
- ↑ "Could this be the new council map of the east of England?". December 2024.
- 1 2 "Devolution revolution: six areas to elect Mayors for first time". GOV.UK. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
- ↑ Eichler, William (5 February 2025). "Six areas chosen for devolution fast track | LocalGov". www.localgov.co.uk. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ↑ "The Cumbria Combined Authority Order 2026". legislation.gov.uk. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ "The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Order 2026". legislation.gov.uk. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ Watterson, Kaleigh (25 February 2026). "'Landmark moment' as combined authority comes into force". BBC News. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Manning, Jonny (24 February 2026). "New combined authority 'to bring positive change'". BBC News. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Summary of the local government reorganisation process". Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 25 July 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "Proposed unitary authorities 2026: Maps". Parliament.UK. 31 March 2026. Retrieved 2 April 2026. Text in this article is derived from a House of Commons Library publication and contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.
- ↑ Dedman, Simon (12 April 2025). "The six Essex by-elections taking place in May". BBC News. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Walker, Peter; Quinn, Ben (5 February 2025). "Some councillors in England could stay for more than extra year under shake-up plans". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
- ↑ McKiernan, Jennifer; Forsyth, Alex (22 January 2026). "Twenty-nine English councils to delay elections, minister confirms". BBC News. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ↑ "Government abandons plans to delay 30 council elections". BBC News. 16 February 2026. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ↑ "Council votes for major local government shake-up". BBC. 2 December 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ↑ Kendix, Max (20 December 2024). "Taxpayers could be liable for £43bn of debts in council mergers". The Times. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ↑ Calkin, Sarah; Ventura, Tiago; Weakley, Kirsty (18 December 2024). "Three counties set to postpone elections". Local Government Chronicle. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- 1 2 "Essex council reorganisation could be decided by these maps". BBC News. 14 September 2025. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
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- ↑ Capel, Grace (19 November 2025). "Government launches consultation on future of Essex councils – what you need to know". Gazette. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ↑ "Essex Decision Letter" (PDF). Gov.UK. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ Knott, Jonathan (19 May 2026). "Essex sets out basis for LGR legal challenge". Local Government Chronicle. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- ↑ Knott, Jonathan (19 June 2026). "Essex to submit judicial review on LGR". Local Government Chronicle. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
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- ↑ Webb, Caitlin (10 February 2025). "Hampshire reorganisation unlikely to follow current boundaries". Local Government Chronicle (LGC). Retrieved 31 March 2025.
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- ↑ "Local Government Reorganisation". Gosport Borough Council. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ↑ "Hampshire council reorganisation could save millions of pounds". BBC News. 3 September 2025. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ↑ "Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong" (PDF). 2025.
- ↑ Hudson, Emily (30 June 2025). "'Biggest shake-up in 50 years' for Hampshire councils". BBC News.
- ↑ "Simpler. Stronger. Secure. Proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent" (PDF). 2025.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- 1 2 "Hampshire Decision Letter" (PDF). Gov.UK. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ Hudson, Emily (25 June 2026). "Hampshire legal challenge to council mergers to go ahead, says leader". BBC News. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- 1 2 Knott, Jonathan (26 June 2026). "Third county begins LGR legal challenge". Local Government Chronicle. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- 1 2 Whannel, Kate; Grammaticas, Damian (17 February 2026). "Councils face 'uphill struggle' after elections delay U-turn". BBC News. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
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- ↑ "Local government reorganisation". Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ↑ "South Norfolk Council: Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Norfolk". South Norfolk District Council. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
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- 1 2 "Local government reorganisation in Local government reorganisation in Norfolk and Suffolk". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Norfolk Decision Letter" (PDF). Gov.UK. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "One Suffolk plan submitted to government". Suffolk County Council. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ↑ "Welcome". Three Councils for Suffolk. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
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- ↑ Rouane-William, Oliver (26 June 2026). "Suffolk is taking the Government to court over LGR, but can it win its £500k taxpayer-funded battle?". Local Government Chronicle. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
- ↑ "The Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026". legislation.gov.uk. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
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- ↑ "West Sussex councils submit interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation". West Sussex County Council (Press release). 21 May 2025.
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- ↑ "Sussex Update Letter" (PDF). Gov.UK. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
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- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Surrey". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
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- ↑ Fenland Cabinet members call on Government
- ↑ Cabinet approves Greater Peterborough option for submission to Government
- ↑ 'Delusional' plan to join areas under new council slammed, 20 November 2025
- ↑ Least worst option put forward for Cambridge, 21 November 2025
- ↑ East Cambrideshire District Council Option B
- ↑ Agenda for Council on Monday, 24 November 2025, 24 November 2025
- ↑ Hansard Report for Ben Obese-Jecty on 19 Nov 25
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- ↑ Local Gov https://www.localgov.co.uk/Proposals-for-four-unitary-authorities-in-Kent-published/62867
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Kent and Medway". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
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- ↑ "Group of Labour MPS want to abolish all of Lancashire's 15 councils". 23 November 2024.
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- ↑ Faulkner, Paul (2 December 2024). "Merger plan revealed for Lancashire councils". rayo.
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- ↑ Parker, Tim (27 February 2025). "Rival plans emerge to reorganise Leicestershire". BBC News.
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- ↑ Bingley, Sarah. "Public Engagement Backs North – South Split for New Councils in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire". Mansfield District Council. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
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- ↑ Reporter, Joe Locker-Local Democracy (11 November 2025). "Labour defectors reject council leadership's new plan to redraw boundaries". Nottinghamshire Live. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
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- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Nottinghamshire and Nottingham council leaders" (PDF). Gov.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation decision announcement – Nottinghamshire County Council". newsroom.nottinghamshire.gov.uk. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ "One council: Your Oxfordshire". Oxfordshire County Council. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Two Unitary Councils. One better future". Two Councils. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Introducing Ridgeway Council – part of a two unitary council option for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire". West Berkshire Council. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
- ↑ "Our proposal". Oxford City Council. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- 1 2 "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Oxfordshire and West Berkshire council leaders" (PDF). Gov.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "The Outline Cast for a North Staffordshire Unitary Council in a Devolved System". Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 25 February 2025.
- ↑ "Southern and mid Staffordshire councils write to Minister of State with joint plan for Local Government Reorganisation". Stafford Borough Council. 21 March 2025.
- ↑ "Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation". Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ↑ "Southern Staffordshire councils unite behind community focused proposal for local government reorganisation". Lichfield District Council. 24 October 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- ↑ "Big questions on forced council reorganisation remain unanswered". Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. 10 June 2025.
- ↑ "New unitary council option proposed for Staffordshire". Staffordshire County Council. 27 February 2025.
- 1 2 "The local revolutions planned in three counties". BBC News. 19 October 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Staffordshire Leaders' Board Submits Interim Plan for Council Reorganisation". Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 21 March 2025.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent council leaders" (PDF). Gov.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ Simon Gilbert (14 October 2025). "Devolution debate sees 'super council' plan agreed". BBC News. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Warwickshire". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Warwickshire council leaders" (PDF). Gov.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "What's changing in Worcestershire?". Shape Worcestershire?. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation in Worcestershire". GOV.UK. Retrieved 29 March 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Worcestershire council leaders" (PDF). Gov.UK. 16 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Text in this article is derived from this source, which is available under an Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright.
- ↑ "Case Made for 'Greater Reading' Should West Berkshire join Oxfordshire Reorganisation". Reading Borough Council News. 25 March 2025. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
- ↑ "Reading leaders react to news western suburbs could 'merge' with Oxfordshire". RDG.Today. 29 March 2025. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
