The Local Government Association has said there is ‘no excuse for the government’s mishandling’ of the plan to reorganise local authorities.
The UK Government has announced that plans to reorganise councils in 14 areas across the country have been paused while they conduct a review.
Plans to merge smaller councils in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk to form larger local authorities have also been withdrawn.
Speaking in Parliament, Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner told MPs that the decision was made ‘in light of legal advice’.
She continued that: “And secondly, I want to fully test whether our proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of a new administration and a new Prime Minister and any additional considerations.”
The decision has drawn criticism from councils, with the Local Government Association (LGA) saying the government has mishandled the process.
A spokesperson for the LGA, which represents councils, said: “Councils across the country will hold different views on the local government reorganisation (LGR) programme, for what it means for their areas, and the announcement of today’s review. But there is no excuse for the government’s mishandling of this process.”
The LGA noted that its political leadership could not reach a consensus on a single position, so the statement reflected a majority view.
The spokesperson continued that the announcement will create ‘significant uncertainty’, after councils have invested public money and working hours in the programme.
“Councils need certainty to plan how to deliver vital services to residents and meet demand pressures, and, as we said in July, their expert view needs to be embedded in LGR decision-making,” the spokesperson said.
“Ministers must now set a clear timetable and ensure councils are not left to pick up the bill.”
“This review must therefore be used by government to work in true partnership with councils to provide clarity in putting right its own mistakes.”
The National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO) said the announcement brings ‘significant uncertainty’ for councils who have been working hard on transition plans.
A spokesperson said: “If we do not know the formation and number of councils that will exist in impacted areas we cannot plan for the future, and opportunities for optimising waste and recycling services will continue to be pushed back.”
“Government must work in partnership with councils to reshape their reform programme with input from those who understand what will work best for local residents.”
“A clear plan is needed soon, to give councils and the industry enough confidence to invest in the future.”
