Reorganising local government

The Government, via this White Paper, has proposed significant local government re-organisation in England.

Current Structure

Proposed Changes

In much of England, a two-tier system of local government operates with local authority functions being split between county and district councils. However, in other areas a single-tier system (unitary authorities) operates.

Town and parish councils operate beneath single and two-tier authorities.

In London, the London Boroughs operate largely as unitary authorities, with some functions reserved to the GLA.

The White Paper proposes significant local government restructuring in England, re-organising two-tier authorities into larger unitary authorities with

a population of 500,000 or more (with some exceptions).

Some existing unitary authorities may also be re-organised, “where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver”.

The Government hope that this restructuring will result in fewer, larger councils, resulting in streamlined governance, clearer accountability, significant cost savings, and more efficient service delivery.

Proposals must be submitted to the Secretary of State. It is our understanding that significant emphasis will be placed on the population target (500,000), geographical alignments, and ensuring services are relatable to place. It is also our understanding that the Government will consider populations of less than 500,000, with recent publications suggesting unitary authorities need a population of 300,000-650,000 to be sustainable.