A major reshuffle of local government in England is on the horizon, with ministers planning to abolish district councils and introduce more elected mayors in a bid to streamline services. According to report, the government is expected to publish a paper on Monday outlining plans to merge smaller district councils with larger county councils, aiming to simplify local governance and make it more efficient.
The changes would mean the creation of unitary councils across the country, where responsibility for services such as social care, education, and bin collections would fall under a single authority. These changes would be rolled out in areas where two-tier local councils currently operate, and would likely result in the dissolution of dozens of district councils. While this approach has been backed by Labour, it faces opposition from some groups, including the District Councils’ Network, which argues that it could lead to a loss of local decision-making.
The Labour government plans to grant more power to elected metro mayors, who would oversee larger areas and gain greater control over planning decisions and public transport. The goal is to speed up the development of housing and infrastructure, which Labour sees as crucial for economic growth. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is expected to announce on Monday that devolution will be made the “default position of government” in an effort to empower local councils to drive growth and improve living standards.
However, some critics warn that merging councils into larger entities could create “mega-councils” that undermine local autonomy. Hannah Dalton, vice-chair of the District Councils’ Network, warned that the reorganisation could lead to “turmoil” and detract from the focus on vital local services. A Conservative Party spokesperson also expressed concern, claiming that the plans would strip councils of their powers and impose changes without local consent.
On the other hand, the County Councils Network has welcomed the plans, seeing them as a way to unlock more funding and create financially sustainable councils. Tim Oliver, the network’s chairman, said that many county areas recognized the need for reorganisation to face financial challenges. Lord Houchen, Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, also supported the proposals, particularly the increased powers over transport and planning, although he suggested that more control over post-16 education would be beneficial.
The new proposals are expected to extend beyond what Labour promised in its election manifesto, marking one of the biggest shifts in local government since the 1970s. The government will encourage councils to voluntarily merge, but it is unclear whether it will use legal powers to force the changes. The overall goal is to streamline local government, promote devolution, and create more powerful local mayors.
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