Review of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Launched

Following updated and privileged legal advice, ministers will review plans for Local Government Reorganisation.

The review – which was announced by the Secretary of State in Parliament – includes decisions on Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, which have been withdrawn in light of new legal advice.

Plans for 14 other areas, along with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex, are also being reviewed and paused while this is carried out.

To reassure local leaders and communities while this review takes place, the government has confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries and remains committed to effective and sustainable local government and simplifying these structures.

The government’s Rewiring the State White Paper on devolution will also set out plans to rewire the country and ensure effective and sustainable local government in future.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said:

"As we are now determined more than ever to devolve power closer to the people we represent, it’s only right that as the new Secretary of State I make sure that everything we do is working towards that plan to change Britain. The Prime Minister told the House last week, he was ‘prepared to look at local government reorganisation’ and he asked me as his Communities Secretary to ’do that’.

[..] In that context, in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law. And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and the new Prime Minister and any additional considerations.

[..] I do not take this lightly. I recognise the huge amount of work that has already gone into progressing reorganisation in each of these areas, and I am very grateful for it."

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

"Today's announcement is another twist in a process that has already caused a great deal of uncertainty for residents. People deserve clear answers about what comes next and how any review will affect our communities.

"Last year saw local elections for East Sussex County Council cancelled and then reinstated, and now the entire Local Government Reorganisation programme is being reviewed.

"In Lewes district, we've been asking the Minister to explain the decision to separate East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe from the rest of our district and transfer them into Brighton & Hove, despite overwhelming opposition from local people. We have not yet received those answers. Today's announcement only provides us with more uncertainty which is frustrating and unsettling for residents who simply want to know what the future holds for their communities.

"We will continue to work with our partners across East Sussex to understand the implications of this announcement and make sure local voices are heard throughout the review. Above all, our focus remains on serving residents and delivering the services people rely on every day."