The Government’s justification for postponing local elections was that they would be so disruptive alongside local government reorganisation (LGR), that they simply could not go ahead.
I have consistently raised the issue of LGR and elections with Steve Reed OBE MP, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
I did so in October of last year, and following Reform UK’s High Court legal challenge and subsequent legal advice, the Government reversed their decision at the eleventh hour.
The Government must now clarify where this leaves reorganisation.
If the Government is prepared to argue that LGR in conjunction with elections is too risky, now that elections are going ahead, it must be prepared to review the pace of reorganisation.
To not do this, while trying to deliver vital services, including significant reforms, would be irresponsible.
I have once again raised this with the Secretary of State, to express my serious concerns. I have asked that his department release the full risk assessment and legal advice, and to confirm whether the Government will review its unrealistic promises for LGR.
“The Government must be prepared to review the pace of reorganisation”
The LGA’s Reform UK Group was the only political group at the LGA to speak up on elections, and now we will do the same with LGR.
These decisions affect millions of people – they deserve clarity.