Minister tells council to stop working on implementing local government reorganisation decisions ahead of review and possible “change of course”

This comes after yesterday’s announcement by the Secretary of State, Angela Rayner, that – following updated legal advice – decisions made in March this year for the four areas of Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and their relevant neighbouring unitary authorities had been withdrawn.

Rayner also said there would be a rapid review of the 14 decisions made in July affecting other areas. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and West Sussex, where decisions have not yet been taken, will also be part of the review.

In his letter McMahon said: “Until this review has concluded, I am asking you, together with your partners, to cease work on implementing the decisions that were announced in July.

“I want to acknowledge the work that your teams have undertaken on local government reorganisation. This decision in no way reflects the work done locally in developing plans, building consensus where it can be found, and marshalling your organisation and partners for the change ahead. But I do believe this reduces the risk of nugatory work if, after further review, we decide to change course.”

Elections scheduled to take place in May 2027 will now go ahead to existing council boundaries.

McMahon continued: “I appreciate that this position will feel uncomfortable, but I believe it is right to consider these matters seriously and deeply given the significance of the decisions. I want to assure myself that this process is being done correctly and robustly. It will also afford the opportunity for the Devolution White Paper, which will set out our plans to rewire the state, to address the question of the role of local government in a devolved country.

The Minister said: “I do not take this lightly and recognise the huge amount of work that has already gone into progressing reorganisation, for which I am very grateful.”