Visit our devolution and LGR hub for the latest information, support and resources

Devolution and reorganisation deadline: LGA statement

"We remain clear that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local areas to decide."

View allDevolution articles

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said:

“Since the publication of the English Devolution White Paper just before Christmas, councils have moved quickly to digest the proposals and decide the best next steps for their local areas and communities. This has been incredibly challenging, given the tight timescale they have been given, but we know some have decided to put themselves forward to be fast-tracked for devolution and reorganisation.

“The LGA has always been clear that genuine devolution is key to unlocking the potential of local government and communities. The Government is right to recognise that empowering local areas is key to delivering its agenda, be it boosting inclusive economic growth, building homes, creating opportunities for all and improving public services.

“However, we also know that local government reorganisation is an emotive and polarising issue for some of our member councils. Proposed reforms in the 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. The diverging views across the sector underline and reinforce this position. 

“We continue to engage with members of all types and views across the country and are reviewing our support offer so we can help those embarking on rapid devolution or reorganisation journeys, alongside those who have already been through – or still going through – the process, and those who are not. As part of this, we are working with MHCLG to ensure we have the necessary funding to be able to provide that support at pace and scale. We have also set up a cross-party Task and Finish Group, comprised of elected members, to develop the LGA’s rapidly evolving response to the proposals. 

“At the same time as navigating these significant reforms – which will take up even more scarce resources and workforce capacity - councils continue to face huge financial pressures. Areas fast-tracked along this process will need extra government funding and support to have the capacity to deliver, and so their ability to provide existing services is not negatively affected. Running local elections is big undertaking for councils. Those who have requested elections to be postponed this year will already be working hard to prepare and put plans in place so will need quick decisions from government. 

“Devolution and reorganisation are not the answer to the immediate funding crisis facing local services. The forthcoming Spending Review will be critical to the future of our local services and must ensure councils have the long-term funding and certainty to provide the services our community rely on every day.”

Ends