NALC calls for certainty as government reviews reorganisation programme
We have called on the government to provide clarity and certainty for parish and town councils following the launch of a review into parts of its local government reorganisation programme.
In a statement today, Angela Rayner MP, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, announced the launch of a review into plans to streamline local government, to ensure it is robust and aligns with new government priorities, following updated and privileged legal advice.
The review follows legal challenges and concerns about the process used to reach earlier decisions on new unitary council structures in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The government has confirmed that implementation in those areas will be paused while the review takes place. Plans for 14 other areas, along with Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and West Sussex, are also being reviewed and paused while this is carried out. Surrey's reorganisation programme will continue as planned. Local elections in May 2027 are now expected to proceed under existing arrangements.
Responding to the announcement, we have expressed disappointment that the future direction of local government reorganisation has become uncertain, particularly given the significant time and effort parish and town councils and county associations have already invested in engaging with the process.
We have consistently supported the government's ambition to simplify local government structures where this can strengthen local services, improve accountability and support effective devolution. However, we have stressed that the government should use the review as an opportunity to reaffirm the role of parish and town councils within the wider programme of local government reform, and that they must be recognised as essential partners in delivering local services, representing communities and ensuring that devolution reaches the neighbourhood level.
We will continue to engage with ministers and officials throughout the review. We will work to ensure the interests of parish and town councils are reflected in any future decisions.
