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Local Government Reorganisation 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
TaxationNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government raised concerns about local government reorganisation 2026-01-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
TaxationNorthern Ireland
Government Statement
This Government will not stand by and let the decline in local services continue. The previous government's economic mismanagement has caused financial issues and service declines. This government aims to eliminate wasteful duplication from two-tier councils, realign resources with need, and invest more in frontline services. We have assessed over 350 representations from councils regarding elections and reorganisation; I am confirming the postponement of 29 elections affecting 3.7 million voters while most will go ahead as planned. Councillors' terms will be extended temporarily, with elections for new unitary councils in 2027.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
The Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee asks for clarity on resources and legal challenges. Will councils have enough resources to manage both elections and frontline services? What contingency planning is in place if a court challenge forces elections?
Minister reply
I took representations from local councils and listened to their concerns; it's up to them whether they proceed with elections or not, based on their assessment of available resources. I cannot comment further on legal proceedings.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Camberwell and Peckham
Question
Will the Secretary of State commit today to reimbursing councils in full for every pound spent as a result of these cancellations, or are local taxpayers now expected to pick up the bill for ministerial indecision?
Minister reply
I am committed to reimbursing all costs incurred by local authorities due to this decision. We will ensure that no taxpayer bears an undue financial burden.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Camberwell and Peckham
Question
Will the Minister explain why a U-turn happened a few weeks later, in December? What new information came to light between November and December that prompted this change?
Minister reply
The decision was based on feedback from councils regarding delays in reorganisation processes. There were no significant changes in information but rather an evolving understanding of the need for timely reorganisation.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Camberwell and Peckham
Question
In West Sussex, councillors will serve for six instead of four years. Is this consistent with the statement that postponements affect only a short period?
Minister reply
The statement referred to the overall impact on election schedules, not individual terms. The extension of councillor terms is necessary to ensure smooth transition during reorganisation.
Chris Curtis
Lab
Milton Keynes North
Question
Given the delays in local government reorganisation, will the Department look at speeding up the process for combined authorities, particularly those not facing reorganisation challenges such as Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes?
Minister reply
We are committed to delivering this significant reorganisation with speed. We will continue to listen to suggestions on how to expedite processes.
Maldon
Question
Will elections for new unitary authorities go ahead next year, as proposed?
Minister reply
Yes, it is my intention that the elections to the new unitaries will proceed as planned.
Sean Woodcock
Lab
Banbury
Question
As welcome as these reforms are, they are taking up considerable time and capacity for local authorities. Will the Secretary of State pick up the pace of these reforms to benefit local residents?
Minister reply
We agree that speeding up the reorganisation process is essential. We will continue to work on delivering benefits such as improved public services and more efficient use of council resources.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Question
As a two-tier local authority area resident, can the Secretary of State explain why I pay less council tax compared to neighbouring Labour-controlled single-tier areas?
Minister reply
The funding distribution under previous Governments was skewed towards wealthier communities. The current Government is working to ensure that funding aligns more closely with need.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm that we are moving full speed ahead with local government reform and that unitary status for places like Exeter will improve services, reduce waste and deliver growth?
Minister reply
Yes, we are proceeding to eliminate duplication and waste so that more funds can be spent on frontline services. We have responded positively to councils' views on postponement.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Question
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that new unitary councils are put on a fair financial footing, especially concerning the removal of the remoteness uplift?
Minister reply
The fair funding review aims to align funding with need. We will continue to consider factors such as rurality and distance in providing social care services.
Michael Payne
Lab
Gedling
Question
Can the Secretary of State give assurance that his Department will apply clear guidance on local engagement, especially regarding Nottingham city council's proposal?
Minister reply
Yes, we will adhere to our own guidance and listen carefully to all representations about proposals for reorganisation.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
Considering past assurances on delays, can the Secretary of State confirm adherence to legal rulings as this Government believes in a rules-based order?
Minister reply
I cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings. However, I have quoted a previous decision that aligns with current circumstances.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Question
Are we still on track for the local government reorganisation process in Hampshire and Basingstoke? Can you endorse the proposal from Basingstoke, Hart and Rushmoor councils?
Minister reply
We remain committed to the reorganisation process. We will ensure that decisions align with intentions and community needs.
Iain Stewart
Lab
Glasgow South
Question
The hon. Member makes a very important point about the uncertainty faced by council workers whose jobs may be at risk during this transition to unitary authorities. What support is he giving local authorities to help those affected find new roles?
Minister reply
Of course, I am committed to supporting councils in ensuring that any changes do not adversely impact their staff. With increased funding for local authorities overall, there are resources available to assist with the transition and support staff members who may be concerned about their employment status.
Beccy Cooper
Lab
Worthing West
Question
Paying tribute to council leaders in her constituency, she raises concerns over the timeline for announcing decisions regarding unitary authorities and asks for reassurance that this will happen as soon as possible.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct; we intend to make those announcements promptly so there can be certainty moving forward towards new structures.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
As a former district and unitary councillor, he supports the move towards unitary authorities but asks for an assurance that North Lincolnshire's two-tier system will remain unchanged.
Minister reply
I cannot prejudge the outcome of ongoing consultations, but I am impressed by the work done by North East Lincolnshire council.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Question
He criticises the Secretary of State for framing this as a locally led process when it is ultimately his decision. He also questions why elections are being delayed for a second year, suggesting that such delays are illegal without legal justification and asks to see evidence backing up this claim.
Minister reply
This decision was necessary to eliminate waste from duplication and improve efficiency; previous administrations failed in addressing this issue properly.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Expressing concern about the undermining of democracy, he asks for clarity regarding any potential delay to a general election.
Minister reply
In ordinary circumstances, there is no question of delaying a general election. This has only happened in cases of national emergency.
Andrew Rosindell
Reform
Romford
Question
He agrees with the right hon. Member for Chorley about holding elections and criticises this as a delay to avoid poor electoral outcomes, questioning if there should be an option for Havering to join Greater Essex.
Minister reply
Proposals regarding what happens in Essex are currently under consultation, allowing all parties to make their views known.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Reflecting on Northern Ireland's experience with council reorganisation and the disenfranchisement felt by local people, he asks if this could serve as a cautionary tale for England.
Minister reply
I agree it is important to get this right; therefore, I am listening carefully to representations from affected councils.
Shadow Comment
Sir James Cleverly
Shadow Comment
The Government has moved from arrogance to incompetence and now cowardice by denying millions the right to vote. The scale of election cancellations is unprecedented, and it appears the Secretary of State wants a political gotcha. He pressured councils to request cancellations and reneged on promises. Conservative Members will oppose these proposals as they undermine democracy. This Government should have the courage to come clean about their decision.
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