Local government reform paused but Surrey not affected
Major reforms to local government across England have been placed on hold - although Surrey is expected to be unaffected.
Last updated 7th Sep 2026
Major reforms to local government across England have been placed on hold – although Surrey is expected to be unaffected.
Labour’s big shake-up would have seen numerous “two-tier” councils scrapped and replaced with larger unitary authorities.
Two-tier councils have a county and district councils responsible for separate services, while a unitary council is responsible for all local government operations in its area.
But the government has hit pause on the restructuring plans for more than a dozen authorities following fresh legal advice.
The BBC has reported that Housing Secretary Angela Rayner is expected to tell MPs: “In light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law.
“And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new prime minister and any additional considerations.”
However, Surrey is not affected by this pause in local government reorganisation as elections to its two “shadow authorities” have already taken place.
These shadow authorities are currently overseeing the transition phase, and will formally become the councils for East and West Surrey from April 2027.
But other authorities will now see local elections next year go ahead on existing council boundaries.
A Local Government Association spokesperson said: “Councils need certainty to plan how to deliver vital services to residents and meet demand pressures, and, as we said in July, their expert view needs to be embedded in LGR decision-making.
“Ministers must now set a clear timetable and ensure councils are not left to pick up the bill."
“This review must therefore be used by government to work in true partnership with councils to provide clarity in putting right its own mistakes."
“The LGA stands ready to use our power to convene our membership councils to ensure any future reform is shaped locally and based on what works for residents.”