Overview

• 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.