The UK government’s plan to create stronger, more streamlined local government has progressed, as councils across England receive official feedback on their interim reorganisation proposals. The plan, aimed at forming single unitary councils, is designed to reduce duplication, cut costs, and improve service delivery by clarifying accountability at the local level.
A total of 21 two-tier areas are now advancing in the reorganisation process, with the government confirming a £7.6 million funding package to support development of their final proposals. Each area will receive a flat contribution of £135,000, plus an additional 20p per resident, based on the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.
Feedback Clarifies Population Guideline and Supports Flexibility
Feedback issued to councils reinforces the government’s stance that the 500,000 population size for new unitary councils is a guiding principle rather than a fixed requirement. The goal, according to the government, is to ensure flexibility in delivering the best value for money and service quality to communities.
Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, said: “We are shifting power out of Whitehall and delivering strong, sustainable unitary councils, capable of leading their communities, shaping neighbourhoods and improving outcomes for local residents as part of our Plan for Change.”
Surrey Among New Areas Proposing Unitary Council Model
The government also confirmed it has received a proposal for new unitary government in Surrey, indicating the scope of reorganisation may grow. As councils prepare their final submissions, the government emphasized it will continue working closely with each area to ensure reorganisation meets the goals of efficiency, accountability, and improved public service delivery.
Reorganisation Part of Larger Devolution and Reform Agenda
The local government overhaul is part of a broader plan to devolve power from Whitehall, fix the foundational issues in local governance, and create more autonomous, capable councils. The feedback summary published today also addresses key questions from local authorities and signals ongoing partnership between central and local government in delivering the reorganisation process.
