The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced the next step of local government reform in England on 29 October 2026. The reform replaces two tiers of local government (county and district) with a single council – a so-called unitary council.
The government is “minded to” implement changes in five areas:
- East Sussex and Brighton and Hove – two new councils, with a boundary change (excluding the parish of Falmer),
- Gloucestershire – one council,
- Oxfordshire – three councils, with a boundary change,
- Warwickshire – two councils,
- Worcestershire – two councils.
Comments can still be submitted for at least three weeks. Final decisions will follow after that.
For 15 other areas, decisions have been withdrawn or not yet taken. These include Kent and Medway, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire with Peterborough, and West Sussex. The government stresses that reform there has not been cancelled. Each area is due to learn the outcome early next year.
Local elections in these areas will take place in May 2027 on current boundaries. The new councils are due to be created in 2029, with elections to “shadow” councils in May 2028. In Surrey, two new councils (East and West Surrey) will start as planned in April 2027.
Areas with earlier decisions will receive £450,000 for each announced new council from a £63 million fund. The government has also promised to protect city status, with new legislation if necessary.
What this means for you
If you live or run a business in one of these counties, within a few years the authority that collects council tax and business rates, issues licences and collects rubbish will change. For now nothing changes – you pay and deal with matters as before. Polish citizens living in England can vote in local elections (under the UK–Poland agreement) if they are on the electoral register.
Our view
The reform is moving forward, but more slowly and more cautiously. This is good news for residents, because the May elections will take place without confusion over boundaries. For businesses, the key question will be whether the new councils harmonise fees and licences – it is worth following the consultations.
What to do
- Read the announcement and the list of areas: GOV.UK – Local Government Reorganisation.
- Check that you are on the electoral register before May 2027: Register to vote.
- Follow your council’s website – information about changes to fees and services will appear there.
Source: MHCLG, GOV.UK (29.10.2026).
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