Local government reorganisation: programme review and decisions withdrawal letter to council leaders

The Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth wrote to council leaders on 7 September 2026 to announce the withdrawal of decisions made in July 2026 regarding local government reorganisation. The letter also confirmed a rapid review of the entire programme, including two outstanding areas pending decisions. The government emphasised that the review would not affect the previously confirmed decision for Surrey. The Minister’s announcement followed an oral statement to Parliament on the same day.

A rapid review of the local government reorganisation programme has been initiated following the withdrawal of earlier decisions. This review will reassess the July 2026 decisions and the two remaining areas where no final decisions had been made. The government has stated that the process aims to ensure thorough evaluation before proceeding further. The review excludes Surrey, where reorganisation plans remain unchanged.

The Secretary of State delivered an oral statement to Parliament on 7 September 2026 outlining the government’s decision to withdraw prior local government reorganisation choices. The statement confirmed the launch of a rapid review to examine the programme’s progress and pending decisions. The government reiterated that Surrey’s confirmed reorganisation would not be impacted by the review or withdrawal of other decisions.

Council leaders received a letter from the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth detailing the withdrawal of reorganisation decisions and the initiation of a rapid review. The letter specified that the review would cover decisions made in July 2026 and the two outstanding areas awaiting resolution. The government clarified that Surrey’s reorganisation remained unaffected by these changes.