Major Shake-Up in English Local Government Announced

Labour's devolution reforms aim to abolish two-tier councils and establish larger regional authorities with expanded powers.

The Labour government unveiled plans to restructure English local government, abolishing two-tier councils and replacing them with larger 'strategic authorities.'
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized that devolution will become a constitutional default, moving decision-making power away from Whitehall.
Critics, including Conservative MPs and local council representatives, warn the changes could create 'mega councils' and erode local representation.
The reforms aim to streamline governance, boost efficiency, and empower metro mayors, though concerns persist about potential costs and loss of local identity.
Some local elections in 2025 may be postponed in areas undergoing reorganization, with the first new authorities expected to be operational by 2027.