Local Government Reorganisation
The Future of Local Governement
The English Devolution White Paper sets out a range of proposals relating to devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Under the current system of local government there are various different structures, including Strategic Authorities (mostly mayoral combined authorities), county councils, city councils, borough councils, district councils, and town and parish councils.
The recent Devolution White Paper seeks to achieve two things: devolving more powers to local areas (devolution) and simplifying the local government structure (Local Government Reorganisation).
Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 5 February 2025 | Statutory invitation received from government to submit unitary proposals |
| 21 March 2025 | Submit interim Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
| 1 May 2025 | Hertfordshire County Council Elections |
| 28 November 2025 | Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
| May 2027 | Elections (Shadow authorities)* |
| April 2028 | Vesting day for new unitary councils |
*Shadow authorities are the new unitary council/s prior to them formally taking on all responsibilities.
Whilst some two-tier authorities (such as Essex and East/West Sussex) applied to postpone their May 2025 elections and take part in the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), Hertfordshire did not, so our elections will go ahead as planned in May 2025.
Useful links
English Devolution White Paper:
The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government’s agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England.
Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub:
Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between Government and local areas.
Letter from Jim McMahon OBE. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution:
The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities dated 16 December 2024 sets out the Government’s process and milestones.