Status updates by area - LGR programme

Stay updated on how the transition to unitary councils affects your area.

Select your county below to see the latest status on local mergers, 2026 election updates, and what it means for your workplace.

Latest update: the LGR programme is under review.

On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn, the decisions made in July for 14 areas have been paused while they are reviewed, and no decision will be made for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough or West Sussex until the review concludes. No timetable has been given for the review.

Two things are unchanged. Surrey is excluded from the review, and East Surrey and West Surrey still go live on 1 April 2027. And day-to-day council services and jobs carry on as normal everywhere: government has asked councils to pause reorganisation work, not their work.

The elections to new shadow councils planned for May 2027 will not take place. The May 2027 local elections will go ahead as normal on existing council boundaries. Previous target dates for the new councils no longer stand, and we'll update each area below as the review reports.
Council names shown below are working names from proposals, not final names.

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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Status: ⏸️ Decision deferred — government has confirmed it needs more time, with a decision expected by October 2026 at the latest.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State wrote to council leaders confirming that no decision is being made yet, citing the particular importance of Cambridge and its wider region to national economic growth. Government says a decision by October will still allow elections in May 2027 and new councils going live in April 2028.

Competing proposals still in review:

Proposal 1: Two Unitary Councils (Option A) Structure: Two unitary councils covering the whole area Configuration: North West; South East

Proposal 2: Two Unitary Councils (Option B) Structure: Two unitary councils covering the whole area Configuration: North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Greater Cambridge

Proposal 3: Three Unitary Councils (Option D - with boundary changes) Structure: Three unitary councils involving splits of existing district wards Configuration: Greater Peterborough; Mid Cambridgeshire; Greater Cambridge

Proposal 4: Three Unitary Councils (Option E) Structure: Three unitary councils covering the whole area Configuration: North East; Central Huntingdonshire; South West

Cambridgeshire timeline:

✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
⏸️ Decision deferred: 16 July 2026
📋 Government decision: Expected by October 2026 at the latest
📅 Shadow council elections: Expected May 2027
📅 New councils go live: Expected April 2028

Devolution context: The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is already fully operational. Newly announced unitary footprints must structurally align with and reinforce these existing devolution frameworks.

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Derbyshire and Derby

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for Derbyshire and Derby. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
Northern Derbyshire – Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and North East Derbyshire, plus 21 parishes from Amber Valley
Southern Derbyshire – Derby, Erewash and South Derbyshire, plus 14 parishes from Amber Valley

Derbyshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The shadow elections previously expected in May 2027 will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The East Midlands Combined County Authority is already established and is unaffected by the LGR review.

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Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the four unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a four unitary structure for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
Exeter – Exeter City, plus 15 parishes from Teignbridge, 28 from East Devon and 6 from Mid Devon
Plymouth – Plymouth City, plus 13 parishes from South Hams
Torbay – Torbay, plus 17 parishes from Teignbridge and 4 from South Hams
Devon Coast and Countryside – the remaining areas of East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon

Devon timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The shadow elections previously expected in May 2027 will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Workforce note: For council staff, the pause means the transition is on hold, not the day job. Services continue as normal, and the staff transfer arrangements described in the July staffing guidance would only come into play if and when reorganisation proceeds here.

Population note: all four councils in the selected structure fall below the 500,000 figure, which government set out as a guiding principle rather than a fixed threshold.

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East Sussex and Brighton & Hove

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, settling the boundary question that had been reopened earlier in the year. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review:
East Sussex Council – Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes (minus four wards), Rother and Wealden
Brighton and Hove – the existing city council, expanded with four wards from Lewes (excluding Falmer parish)

Falmer has a population of around 300. Government decided it should stay in East Sussex Council on grounds of rural identity, which also reduces the complexity of the boundary change and of splitting services.

East Sussex timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 26 September 2025
✅ Initial public consultation: 19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
✅ Reopened technical consultation closed: 15 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The shadow elections previously expected in May 2027 will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026. Under it, the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral Strategic Authority has been established, with inaugural mayoral elections expected in May 2028. The LGR review covers council reorganisation; we'll confirm any implications for the strategic authority timetable as government sets them out.

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Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock

Status: ❌ Decision withdrawn — the five unitary structure approved in March 2026 was withdrawn by the government on 7 September 2026.

On 7 September 2026, the government withdrew its decision for Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock, along with the other three decisions made in March 2026, in light of updated legal advice. Essex is now back to having no confirmed structure. The rapid review announced the same day covers the position of the withdrawn areas, so what happens next here depends on the review's outcome. No timetable has been given.

The withdrawal followed sustained legal pressure. Essex County Council's judicial review, launched in June, argued the decision-making process was flawed, and Harlow District Council brought a separate challenge in July over the deliverability of the timetable. The government withdrew the decisions days before the first court hearing was due.

The structure that was approved in March 2026 and has now been withdrawn:
West Essex Council (~326,000 residents) - Uttlesford, Harlow, Epping Forest
North East Essex Council (~332,000 residents) - Braintree, Colchester, Tendring
Mid Essex Council (~369,000 residents) - Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon
South West Essex Council (~510,000 residents) - Thurrock, Basildon
South East Essex Council (~360,000 residents) - Castle Point, Southend, Rochford

Essex timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 26 September 2025
✅ Public consultation: 19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 25 March 2026
⚠️ Essex County Council resolves to proceed with judicial review: 19 June 2026
⚠️ Harlow District Council launches separate judicial review: 22 July 2026
❌ Government withdraws the decision: 7 September 2026
📋 Next steps: Awaiting the outcome of the national LGR review (no timetable given)

Workforce note: For council staff in Essex, the practical position is simpler than the history above: there is currently no reorganisation to prepare for, and the fifteen existing councils continue as they are. Services and recruitment carry on as normal. Whether reorganisation returns to Essex, and in what form, depends on the review. Government has said it remains committed to reorganisation where it can strengthen local government, so this is a reset rather than a confirmed ending.

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Gloucestershire

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the single unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a one unitary structure for Gloucestershire, the only area in the July round to move to a single council. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review:
Gloucestershire – one council covering Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury

Gloucestershire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The shadow elections previously expected in May 2027 will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Workforce note: Gloucestershire's councils described the review as unexpected and are seeking further information from MHCLG. For staff, the position is the same as everywhere else in the paused areas: services and recruitment continue as normal, and the TUPE transfer arrangements set out in the July staffing guidance would only apply if and when reorganisation proceeds.

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Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton

Status: ❌ Decision withdrawn — the five unitary structure approved in March 2026 was withdrawn by the government on 7 September 2026.

On 7 September 2026, the government withdrew its decision for Hampshire and the Solent, along with the other three decisions made in March 2026, in light of updated legal advice. The area is back to having no confirmed structure. The rapid review announced the same day covers the position of the withdrawn areas, so what happens next depends on the review's outcome. No timetable has been given.

The withdrawal followed sustained legal pressure here too. Hampshire County Council sent a pre-action letter in April 2026, confirmed in May that it would proceed, and began its judicial review in June, with Portsmouth City Council reported as having issued separate proceedings. The government withdrew the decisions days before the first court hearing was due.

The structure that was approved in March 2026 and has now been withdrawn:
North Hampshire Council - Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor
Mid Hampshire Council - East Hampshire, New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester (minus the 11 parishes shifting south)
South East Hampshire Council - Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, plus the parishes of Newlands, Clanfield, Horndean, and Rowlands Castle
South West Hampshire Council - Eastleigh, Southampton, plus the parishes of Totton and Eling, Marchwood, Hythe and Dibden, Fawley, Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams, and Valley Park
Isle of Wight Council - Would have remained a separate, standalone island authority

Hampshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 26 September 2025
✅ Public consultation: 19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 25 March 2026
⚠️ Hampshire County Council begins judicial review: June 2026
❌ Government withdraws the decision: 7 September 2026
📋 Next steps: Awaiting the outcome of the national LGR review (no timetable given)

Workforce note: For council staff across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, there is currently no reorganisation to prepare for, and the existing councils continue as they are. Services and recruitment carry on as normal, and the spending controls that applied during the transition period are expected to be revisited as part of the review; we'll confirm the position as government sets it out. Whether reorganisation returns here, and in what form, depends on the review.

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Hertfordshire

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the four unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a four unitary structure for Hertfordshire. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

Hertfordshire's LGR programme office confirmed the position directly: the shadow authority elections will not take place in May 2027, local authorities will continue with their usual cycle of local elections for 2027, and the county's councils will engage constructively with ministers throughout the review.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
North West – Dacorum and St Albans
South West – Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford
Central – North Hertfordshire (minus five wards), Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield (minus one ward)
Eastern – Broxbourne and East Herts, plus five wards from North Hertfordshire and one ward from Welwyn Hatfield

Hertfordshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The ambition across Hertfordshire's councils to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority predates the review. The review is linked to the government's wider devolution plans, with a White Paper expected this autumn, so the strategic authority picture for Hertfordshire should become clearer alongside the council question.

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Kent and Medway

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the four unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a four unitary structure for Kent and Medway, keeping to existing district and borough boundaries with no splits. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
North – Dartford, Gravesham and Medway
West – Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells
Mid – Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe, and Swale
East – Canterbury, Dover and Thanet

Kent timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Scale: Kent remains the largest area in the programme, with Kent County Council serving 1.6 million residents alongside 12 district and borough authorities and the existing Medway unitary. That scale is precisely why the pause matters here: whatever the review concludes, Kent's workforce is the biggest single group of council staff awaiting an answer, and we'll keep this page updated as the position develops.

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Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the four unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a four unitary structure for Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool, keeping to existing council boundaries. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
North Lancashire – Lancaster, Preston and Ribble Valley
South Lancashire – Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire
Pennine Lancashire – Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale
Fylde Coast – Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre

Lancashire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The Lancashire Combined County Authority is already fully operational as a Level 2 authority and is unaffected by the LGR review, which covers council reorganisation rather than existing combined authorities.

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Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, based on the proposal submitted by Leicester City Council with a modified boundary expansion. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. The Future LLR Councils partnership has confirmed the plans for the area are among those being reviewed. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
Leicester Council – Leicester City and Oadby and Wigston, plus 16 parishes from Blaby, 11 from Charnwood and 7 from Harborough
Leicestershire & Rutland – the remaining areas of Blaby, Charnwood and Harborough, plus Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Rutland

Six part-parishes (Ashby Magna, Dunton Bassett, Gaulby, Houghton on the Hill, Kings Norton and Rothley) were to stay in the county council under the July decision.

Leicestershire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

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Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the four-council structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a four-council structure for greater Lincolnshire, based on the proposal submitted by the City of Lincoln Council. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

Worth being clear on the detail here: under the July decision, only two of the four councils would be new. North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire would continue unchanged as existing unitaries, and they continue as normal now regardless of the review.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
Lincoln City – the City of Lincoln, expanded with 12 wards from North Kesteven and 7 from West Lindsey
Rural Lincolnshire – Boston, East Lindsey, South Kesteven and South Holland, plus the remaining areas of North Kesteven and West Lindsey
North Lincolnshire – unchanged
North East Lincolnshire – unchanged

Lincolnshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority is already fully operational following the May 2025 regional elections and is unaffected by the LGR review, which covers council reorganisation rather than existing combined authorities.

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Norfolk

Status: ❌ Decision withdrawn — the three unitary structure approved in March 2026 was withdrawn by the government on 7 September 2026.

On 7 September 2026, the government withdrew its decision for Norfolk, along with the other three decisions made in March 2026, in light of updated legal advice. Norfolk is back to having no confirmed structure. The rapid review announced the same day covers the position of the withdrawn areas, so what happens next depends on the review's outcome. No timetable has been given.

Norfolk County Council had submitted a judicial review of the decision on 25 June 2026 and was awaiting the court's decision on permission to proceed when the government withdrew the decision, days before the first hearing was due.

The structure that was approved in March 2026 and has now been withdrawn:
West Norfolk Council - Breckland, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk
Greater Norwich Council - Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk
East Norfolk Council - Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, and the remaining areas of Broadland and South Norfolk

Norfolk timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 26 September 2025
✅ Public consultation: 19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 25 March 2026
⚠️ Norfolk County Council submits judicial review: 25 June 2026
❌ Government withdraws the decision: 7 September 2026
📋 Next steps: Awaiting the outcome of the national LGR review (no timetable given)

Devolution context: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026. Under it, Norfolk is due to join with Suffolk to form the Norfolk and Suffolk Mayoral Strategic Authority, with inaugural mayoral elections expected in May 2028. The withdrawal covers the council reorganisation decision; we'll confirm any implications for the strategic authority timetable as government sets them out.

Workforce note: For council staff in Norfolk, there is currently no reorganisation to prepare for, and the existing councils continue as they are. Services and recruitment carry on as normal. Whether reorganisation returns to Norfolk, and in what form, depends on the review.

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Nottinghamshire and Nottingham

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham, expanding the city boundary at ward level across three districts. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the option):
Southwest – Nottingham City, plus 15 wards from Broxtowe, 15 from Gedling and 17 from Rushcliffe
North and East – Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark & Sherwood, plus the remaining 5 Broxtowe wards, 4 Gedling wards and 7 Rushcliffe wards

Nottinghamshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The East Midlands Combined County Authority is fully established, covering both Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire under a unified mayoral tier, and is unaffected by the LGR review. Nottinghamshire County Council had publicly opposed aspects of the reorganisation process before the July decision; the review now gives all of the area's councils a route to make their case to government again.

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Oxfordshire

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the three unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a three unitary structure for Oxfordshire, based on the proposal submitted by Oxford City Council. Notably, the selected Ridgeway Council would include West Berkshire, an existing unitary from outside the original invitation area. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
Greater Oxford Council – Oxford City, plus 15 parishes from Cherwell, 25 from South Oxfordshire and 9 from Vale of White Horse
Northern Oxfordshire Council – the remaining area of Cherwell, plus West Oxfordshire
Ridgeway Council – the remaining areas of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, plus West Berkshire

Oxfordshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: Local council leaders had been progressing plans for a cross-regional Mayoral Strategic Authority spanning the Thames Valley. The review is linked to the government's wider devolution plans, with a White Paper expected this autumn, so the strategic authority picture should become clearer alongside the council question.

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Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, following existing council boundaries with a North/South split. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposals):
North Staffordshire – Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Southern and Mid Staffordshire – Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, South Staffordshire, Stafford and Tamworth

Staffordshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

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Suffolk

Status: ❌ Decision withdrawn — the three unitary structure approved in March 2026 was withdrawn by the government on 7 September 2026.

On 7 September 2026, the government withdrew its decision for Suffolk, along with the other three decisions made in March 2026, in light of updated legal advice. Suffolk is back to having no confirmed structure. The rapid review announced the same day covers the position of the withdrawn areas, so what happens next depends on the review's outcome. No timetable has been given.

Suffolk County Council, which had favoured a single county-wide unitary, launched judicial review proceedings in June 2026. The government withdrew the decisions days before the first court hearing was due.

The structure that was approved in March 2026 and has now been withdrawn:
West Suffolk Council – Would have replaced West Suffolk Council and absorbed parts of Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
Central and East Suffolk Council – Would have replaced East Suffolk Council and absorbed remaining parts of Mid Suffolk.
Ipswich and South Suffolk Council – Would have replaced Ipswich Borough Council and absorbed parts of Babergh and East Suffolk, including a boundary expansion to grow the size of Ipswich.

Suffolk timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 26 September 2025
✅ Public consultation: 19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 25 March 2026
✅ Future Suffolk transition portal launched: May 2026
⚠️ Suffolk County Council launches judicial review: June 2026
❌ Government withdraws the decision: 7 September 2026
📋 Next steps: Awaiting the outcome of the national LGR review (no timetable given)

Devolution context: Under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026, Suffolk is due to join with Norfolk to form the Norfolk and Suffolk Mayoral Strategic Authority, with the inaugural mayoral election expected in May 2028. The withdrawal covers the council reorganisation decision; we'll confirm any implications for the strategic authority timetable as government sets them out.

Workforce note: For council staff in Suffolk, there is currently no reorganisation to prepare for, and the existing councils continue as they are. Services and recruitment carry on as normal. Whether reorganisation returns to Suffolk, and in what form, depends on the review.

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Surrey

Status: ✅ Proceeding as planned — Surrey is excluded from the national LGR review, and East Surrey and West Surrey go live on 1 April 2027.

When the government announced its review of the LGR programme on 7 September 2026, it confirmed that Surrey is not affected. The two new unitary councils remain on track, making Surrey the only area in the country where reorganisation is currently proceeding. The Structural Changes Order is law, shadow authorities have been operational since May 2026, and vesting day is 1 April 2027.

Approved structure:

West Surrey Council (~685,000 residents)
Legacy Areas Absorbed: Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Woking, plus Surrey County Council services across the West.

East Surrey Council (~564,000 residents)
Legacy Areas Absorbed: Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge, plus Surrey County Council services across the East.

Surrey timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 8 May 2025
✅ Public consultation: 17 June - 5 August 2025
✅ Government decision announced: 28 October 2025
✅ Structural Changes Order made 9 March 2026, in force 10 March 2026
✅ Shadow Council Elections successfully held: 7 May 2026
✅ Excluded from the national LGR review, confirmed proceeding: 7 September 2026
📋 Shadow Authorities & HR migration active: Ongoing autumn 2026
📅 Statutory senior appointments deadline: Shadow authorities must appoint their chief executive, monitoring officer and chief financial officer by 31 December 2026
📅 New unitary councils go live (Vesting Day): 1 April 2027

Workforce note: Surrey was always running roughly a year ahead of the rest of the country; it is now running alone. Following the elections on 7 May 2026, the newly elected Shadow East Surrey Council and Shadow West Surrey Council took power, and shadow executive boards are working through the transfer of staff and community assets under TUPE ahead of go-live on 1 April 2027. The statutory senior appointments deadline of 31 December 2026 makes this autumn the busiest period yet for the transition, and because Surrey is now the only live reorganisation in England, how this lands will shape whatever the national review decides. If you're considering a council career in Surrey, the councils are recruiting throughout the transition.

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Warwickshire

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for Warwickshire, dividing the county along existing boundaries. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposal):
North Warwickshire – North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby
South Warwickshire – Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick

Warwickshire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Workforce note: Joint officer-level transition teams had submitted their structural frameworks to MHCLG in June and were gearing up for implementation when the pause landed. That preparation isn't wasted: if the review confirms the two-council model, Warwickshire starts from one of the stronger positions in the country. In the meantime, services and recruitment continue as normal.

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West Sussex

Status: ⏸️ No decision — now part of the national LGR review announced on 7 September 2026.

West Sussex has waited longer than anywhere else. Its decision was paused in March 2026 over boundary concerns, deferred again on 16 July with no deadline given, and is now wrapped into the national review of the whole LGR programme announced on 7 September 2026. No decision will be made until the review concludes, and no timetable has been given.

For residents and council staff, the one firm change from September's announcement is about elections: the May 2027 local elections will go ahead as normal on existing council boundaries, and the shadow council elections previously pencilled in will not take place.

The proposals that remain on the table and would be considered as part of the review:

The Modified "North-West" vs. "Coastal" Model (Two Unitary Councils)
North & West Council (Pop: ~566,000): Chichester District shifts away from the coast to join Crawley Borough, Horsham District, and Mid Sussex District.
Coastal Council (Pop: ~349,000): Adur District, Arun District, and Worthing Borough merged into a single maritime authority.

Also submitted:
Proposal 1 (County Council Preferred Option): A single county-wide unitary council for all of West Sussex to protect unified adult and children's services (Pop: ~880,000).
Proposal 2 (Original Districts Preferred Option): Two unitary councils splitting the county evenly, keeping Chichester grouped with the coastal authorities (Pop: ~440,000 each).

West Sussex timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 26 September 2025
✅ Initial public consultation: 19 November 2025 - 11 January 2026
✅ Reopened technical consultation closed: 15 June 2026
⏸️ Decision deferred: 16 July 2026
⏸️ National LGR review announced, decision on hold: 7 September 2026
📋 Government decision: Awaiting the outcome of the national review (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Devolution context: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026, and West Sussex sits under the Sussex and Brighton Mayoral Strategic Authority established under it, with the first regional mayoral election expected in May 2028. The LGR review covers council reorganisation; we'll confirm any implications for the strategic authority timetable as government sets them out.

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Worcestershire

Status: ⏸️ Decision under review — the two unitary structure confirmed in July 2026 is paused as part of the national LGR review.

On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State selected a two unitary structure for Worcestershire, splitting the county along existing boundaries. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the whole reorganisation programme following updated legal advice. The July decision has not been withdrawn, but it is paused and will be reviewed, and councils have been asked to suspend implementation work in the meantime. No timetable has been given.

The structure selected in July, now under review (working names from the proposals):
North Worcestershire – Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest
South Worcestershire – Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon

Worcestershire timeline:
✅ Proposals submitted: 28 November 2025
✅ Public consultation: 5 February 2026 – 26 March 2026
✅ SCO representations finalised: 16 June 2026
✅ Government decision announced: 16 July 2026
⏸️ Decision paused for national LGR review: 7 September 2026
📋 Outcome of the review: Awaited (no timetable given)
📋 Elections and go-live dates: To be confirmed after the review. The May 2027 shadow elections will not take place; May 2027 local elections proceed on existing boundaries.

Workforce note: Worcestershire's financial pressures were part of the case for reorganisation, with the county requiring £59.9 million in Exceptional Financial Support this year. Those pressures don't pause with the programme, so the review's outcome matters more here than in most areas, and the councils continue to manage services and budgets as they are in the meantime. For staff, services and recruitment carry on as normal.

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About this page

This page is updated regularly as new information becomes available. All information is based on official government announcements and publicly available documents. On 7 September 2026, the government announced a review of the LGR programme: the decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn, the July 2026 decisions for 14 areas are paused pending review, and Surrey is unaffected. Council structures and names shown for the reviewed areas describe decisions and proposals as they stood, not confirmed outcomes.

Last updated: 02/10/2026

Next planned update: Following the outcome of the government's review of the LGR programme, or any interim announcement affecting individual areas, whichever comes first.

Jobs Go Public is not affiliated with any government department or council. We are an independent specialist job board serving the UK public sector since 1999.

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