What is Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)?

LGR is a structural reform programme to simplify England's system by replacing two-tier local government (county and district) with unitary authorities. It is the fourth major wave of restructuring since 1965, announced in the December 2024 Devolution White Paper.

What are Unitary Authorities?

A single local government organisation responsible for all services in an area. It combines functions split between county and district tiers (like education, social care, planning, and waste) into one body.

Why Does the Government Want to Reorganise?

Strategic reasons include: streamlining services, improving financial sustainability by removing administrative duplication, and creating governance structures strong enough for devolution.

What is the Timeline for Implementation?

Key milestones: Nov 2025 final proposal deadline; Spring/Summer 2026 government decisions; May 2027 first elections; April 2028 new councils operational. Surrey follows an accelerated timeline (operational April 2027).

LGR Journey Map | Reorganisation Roadmap 2025

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Q1 2026May 2026Mid 2026Late 202620272028

How the programme is sequenced

Local Government Reorganisation is not being implemented uniformly across England. Following the General Election, the programme is being sequenced in defined waves, reflecting capacity, legislative readiness and delivery risk.

Surrey operates as the live prototype.

It is the first area to move through confirmation, shadow elections, Structural Changes Orders and transition delivery. Decisions taken here set practical and governance precedents for subsequent areas.

DPP areas form the structured second wave.

These authorities move through formal design, consultation and Secretary of State decision windows after Surrey. Their progression depends on programme capacity and legislative timing.

Other areas remain in a conditional pipeline.

Inclusion, timing and pace depend on central government sequencing, local readiness and funding alignment.

The map below reflects this structured progression. Not every milestone applies to every area at the same time. Each stage is shown according to where Surrey, DPP areas and others sit within the overall programme.

The Departure

Q1 2026 (Jan - Mar)

All Areas

Political Upheaval

Decision making impacted by volatility as Councillors and Officers consider the future, and political uncertainty ahead for even experienced Councillors.

MAY 2026 ONWARD

Shadow Governance

May 2026

Wave 1 — Surrey Fast Track

All Areas

The Legislative Bridge

Mid - Late 2026

All Areas

Trust and Consent

Consultation & narrative pressure

All Areas

Refuelling & Horizon

2026-27

All Areas

Where next?

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Facts hub

Evidence, timelines, key facts, and data on LGR.

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First 100 Days toolkit

Practical toolkit for the first 100 days of a new authority.

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The LGR Journey and Road Ahead

Transition Capacity Checkpoint

Election Position Confirmed

Final Geography Confirmed

Political Upheaval

Surrey Shadow Elections

Transitional Governance Risk

Operational Convergence

Structural Changes Orders

New Foundations Phase

Trust and Consent

Funding and Transition Envelope

Where next?

Search everything

Facts hub

First 100 Days toolkit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)?

What are Unitary Authorities?

Why Does the Government Want to Reorganise?

What is the Timeline for Implementation?

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