The UK government is unveiling plans for a significant redesign of local government, which could see the abolition of district councils and the introduction of more elected mayors across England. This move aims to streamline services and enhance local governance.
Ministers have published a paper detailing proposals for merging areas currently governed by two tiers of local authority—smaller district councils and larger county councils. The goal is to create a more efficient system.
Elected metro mayors are also expected to gain new powers over planning, which could accelerate the delivery of new housing and infrastructure projects. However, the body representing district councils has expressed concerns, warning that these changes could lead to "turmoil" and undermine local decision-making.
Currently, local services are managed by both county councils, which handle areas like social care and education, and district councils, responsible for services such as bin collections. In some regions, particularly larger towns and cities, unitary authorities manage all local services. Additionally, areas around major cities are increasingly governed by combined authorities with greater powers in transport, planning, and housing.
The Conservative government previously established 11 combined authority areas with elected metro mayors and aimed to offer devolution deals to any part of England seeking greater powers by 2030. Despite these efforts, about half of England's population still lives in areas without a devolution deal.
The Labour government has pledged to expand local powers as part of its broader goals to stimulate economic growth and increase housing.
Streamlining local government is seen as a way to empower local mayors, who could then oversee larger areas and gain more control over planning and public transport. This could lead to the abolition of numerous district councils, raising concerns about the loss of localised decision-making.
The proposed reorganisation would require a series of nationwide agreements, similar to the recent merger in North Yorkshire, which created a unitary authority from eight councils. This would represent the most significant shake-up of local government since the 1970s, exceeding Labour's election manifesto promises.
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Responding to the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: "We want every council in England to be able to secure devolution that works for them, their local economies, and their residents. While different areas will have strong views on what that should look like, genuine devolution of powers and resources can play a huge role in promoting inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, and improving public services. In a very centralised country, moving funding and power from Whitehall to local leaders is needed, but it must be done in a way where empowered councils and the communities they serve are at the heart of decision-making. “Reforms in this white paper will have a significant impact on every council and community. While our members are – and always have been – open to change, we remain clear that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local areas to decide. In the coming weeks and months, the LGA will be engaging proactively with all our members across the country as we look to respond fully to the white paper. At the same time, we will be closely monitoring the bill and working with Parliamentarians to ensure we get the best possible legislation on behalf of our members. “However, devolution is not an end in itself and cannot distract from the severe funding pressures that are pushing local services to the brink. It is vital the forthcoming provisional Local Government Finance Settlement provides councils with a significant and sustained increase in overall funding that reflects current and future demand for services. This should include compensation for the changes to employer national insurance contributions announced in the Budget.” Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, took to X to express his comments. He said “We are proud that the model of devolution pioneered by GM is being extended to the whole of England. Trying to run everything from Whitehall is one of the reasons the country isn’t working. Letting more places decide more for themselves is one of the ways we will fix it. “ Image credit: iStock
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