Local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution

Timetable for LGR and devolution

PLEASE NOTE: On 7 September, the Government announced an immediate pause to the LGR process in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. We will update this page as and when we have more information, in the meantime, for the very latest go to the FAQs about LGR and devolution section.

 

Date

Stage

16 December 2024

Government set out its LGR and devolution plans in the English Devolution White Paper

5 February 2025

The Government invited councils to develop LGR proposals

21 March 2025

Councils were required to submit interim LGR plans

28 November 2025

Deadline for submission of final LGR proposals

January 2026 - March 2026

Government consultation on LGR proposals took place

16 July 2026

Government decision on LGR proposals announced

September  2026 - December 2026

Legislation to enable LGR will be presented to Parliament

May 2027

Necessary transitional legislation prepared and laid

Shadow unitary elections will take place in affected areas

April 2028

New unitary councils are scheduled to begin operating