The Decision on Future of Worcestershire’s councils has been paused

The government has announced a review of the Local Government Reorganisation programme.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner MP, has made a statement to the House of Commons confirming the decision.
Based on information released ahead of the statement, decisions relating to reorganisation in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are expected to be withdrawn, while proposals in a further 16 areas will be paused and reviewed in light of legal advice and the government’s wider priorities for devolution and public service reform. The government has also indicated that local elections scheduled for May 2027 will proceed on existing council boundaries while the review is undertaken, providing some short-term certainty for councils and communities.

The announcement also underlines the importance of a strong and resilient first tier of local government. We will continue to make the case that whatever the future shape of local government structures, parish and town councils must be recognised as essential partners in delivering services, representing communities and ensuring devolution reaches the neighbourhood level.