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Local Government Reorganisation 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyDemocracy & Elections
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness raised concerns about local government reorganisation 2025-12-18 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
EconomyDemocracy & Elections
Government Statement
Today I am announcing the postponement of local elections in areas affected by reorganisation to ensure smoother transitions. After 14 years of Tory rule, we need to set councils on a financial sustainability path through reorganisation, removing inefficiencies and improving service delivery. With one council per area, decisions will be quicker for economic growth, better preventive care, and more stable finances due to combined services for larger populations. The indicative timetable includes elections in May 2027 and new councils going live in April 2028. Councils have raised concerns about capacity and resource-intensive elections, leading us to consult on postponements based on local feedback by January 15th.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
The MP appreciates the Minister's consideration of valid concerns but is disappointed about the late announcement, especially given its importance to many absent Members. She asks why there has been a change from previous commitments made by the Secretary of State two days ago.
Minister reply
The starting point remains that elections go ahead unless there is strong justification for postponement. We are consulting local leaders who have raised concerns and will make an informed decision based on their feedback.
Question
The Chair of the Select Committee raises concerns about timing and logistical challenges for councils in preparing for elections amidst reorganisation. She also asks when final decisions will be made after the January deadline.
Minister reply
I take seriously her point about timings but acknowledge that it has been a busy period. We are writing to councils for formal feedback on capacity constraints, and decisions will be taken swiftly.
Question
The shadow minister raises concerns about the Government's repeated cancellations of elections and questions the nature of capacity issues cited by councils. She also asks which tier of council makes the decision on capacity constraints and if there will be full reimbursement for costs if elections are cancelled.
Minister reply
We have received representations from a number of councils experiencing capacity issues, demand on resources, and challenges in transition processes. Decisions will be made quickly based on formal feedback from these councils.
Question
Supports the local government reorganisation programme for Exeter and Devon, highlighting the benefits of streamlining councils and allowing cities to take control of their economy and services.
Minister reply
The case made by my hon. Friend is correct. Streamlining councils can deliver real benefits for economic and social growth.
Question
Raises concerns about uncertainty facing residents of Gosport due to the constant ambiguity from the Ministry regarding the borough's future.
Minister reply
I will look into the issue raised by the hon. Lady and endeavour to take decisions quickly and have clarity.
Question
Welcomes the increase in multi-year funding for Luton, but stresses the need for mechanisms to deliver these resources effectively.
Minister reply
I agree that areas like Luton deserve every penny and the mechanisms to deliver services back to the people.
Question
Asks for confirmation on whether elections in Surrey will proceed as planned.
Minister reply
Yes, elections in Surrey are confirmed to go ahead in May 2026.
Question
Advises the Minister to proceed carefully with reorganisation while highlighting Labour's financial attacks on local government.
Minister reply
I will do my best to consider the points made by my hon. Friend.
Question
Critiques the Government's process of reorganisation as descending into farce, questioning if Labour-led councils are hiding due to poor poll performance.
Minister reply
I am pleased that the right hon. Gentleman has been in touch with local authority leaders who can take his views into consideration.
Question
Requests assurance that community views, traditions, and identity will be driving forces behind reorganisation discussions.
Minister reply
Of course those things are taken into consideration. Effective local government is built out of a strong sense of community.
Question
Questions the political motivations behind this decision and demands support for an amendment to require votes in this place before stopping elections.
Minister reply
We follow the precedent set by previous Governments. Local leaders will have heard what he said and will consider it when taking their decisions.
Richard Tice
Con
Constituency Unknown
Question
Merry Christmas!
Minister reply
A merry Christmas to him, too! I feel disappointed that he is disappointed to see me here. In any case, as I have said to other Members, what has happened is that local councils have raised concerns with us, and we are attempting to get in touch with them—the letter is going to them today—so that they can say what the circumstances are in their boroughs.
Alison Griffiths
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Question
This is a disgraceful decision that damages our democracy and sets a dangerous precedent. To borrow a phrase, is the Minister afraid? Frightened? Frit? What does she say to my constituents whose fundamental right to have their say at the ballot box is now being taken away?
Minister reply
I am sure that the hon. Lady’s council will have heard what she has said and understood her views—and it is right that it has. Having stood in one local council election and five general elections, I am not afraid of democracy.
John Milne
Lib Dem
Horsham
Question
This feels like some kind of unholy Labour-Conservative alliance to avoid electoral humiliation. At West Sussex county council, the dysfunctional Conservative administration will surely grab the chance to cling on to power for yet another year past its sell-by date. To make sure that any decision to delay is taken for the right reasons, will the Minister agree to require that any council seeking to cancel elections will also be required to see out the rest of its term under a cross-party rainbow coalition comprised of existing councillors?
Minister reply
I am not sure I have the power to do that.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Could she tell us what discussions there have been and what views, opinions, advice or instructions have been issued to her, her fellow Ministers or special advisers by the political advisers in No. 10?
Minister reply
As I have mentioned a few times, we have had representations from councils about their capacity. Of course we discuss these issues as Ministers and as part of the Government, and those discussions happen in the usual way, as the hon. Member would expect.
Josh Babarinde
Lib Dem
Eastbourne
Question
After Reform-led Staffordshire county council, Conservative-run East Sussex county council paid out the highest amount in compensation relating to potholes between 2022 and 2024. People in Eastbourne want to have their say. Can the Minister confirm whether the leader of East Sussex county council has already made representations to her about the cancellation of elections next year? Will she confirm whether she expects the people of East Sussex to have a say at the ballot box in 2026?
Minister reply
I am sure that East Sussex county council has heard what the hon. Member has said. It may discuss that with him directly, as I will happily do if he would like.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Can we now be confident that those very strong reasons that would have to be adduced for any boundary changes really amount to any sort of guardianship of the situation at all?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I have heard it and take it away as part of our consideration of the issues around reorganisation. We published the criteria that we will use to take decisions with regards to reorganisation, and we need to stick to those criteria, but I take seriously the point that he raises.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What information will be available for the general public to ensure that the transition is understood and that people are not alienated from their local representation?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his commitment to taking part in these discussions and for the insights he brings from Northern Ireland. I will alert colleagues in local government to those and let them know that there is experience they could learn from.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
I have it on very good authority that these decisions have been taken by political advisers in No. 10, and the Minister did not deny that. Could she clarify whether I am right to take away that impression, or could she be more open and candid with the House?
Minister reply
I have responded.
Shadow Comment
Paul Holmes
Shadow Comment
The Opposition questions the Government's motives behind cancelling elections for a second year. They argue that this plan lacks mandate and disregards local democracy, with no recent research into restructuring costs or impacts on social care and planning. Labour’s rushed reorganisation process is deemed flawed without proper public consultation. The Electoral Commission advises against further delays unless in exceptional circumstances. Opposition supports councils like Essex county council that do not seek election postponements.
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