Letter from the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth setting out an update on local government reorganisation decision withdrawal and programme review.
Applies to England
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On 7 September 2026, the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth wrote to local government reorganisation council leaders.
This letter announced the withdrawal of the current decisions for:
- Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
- Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
It also announced a rapid review of the local government reorganisation programme. This includes decisions taken in July 2026 and the 2 outstanding areas awaiting decisions. This does not impact the decision taken in Surrey.
The Secretary of State also announced these measures in an oral statement to Parliament on 7 September 2026.
