What happens after the government approves a local government reorganisation proposal?

Once the government decides to approve a local government reorganisation (LGR) proposal, the real work begins. While the decision itself is a major milestone, it’s only the start of a long, carefully managed transition designed to make sure services continue smoothly and residents are supported every step of the way.

1.    Secondary legislation is created

After approval, the government must pass secondary legislation – that will legally and formally establish the new council arrangements and set out the timeline for change. This is essential before anything can be implemented. 

2.    A clear timetable is confirmed

Once legislation is in place, a transition timeline is published. National examples show that the timeline includes:

• Elections for new councils (often scheduled for May of the year before the new authority goes live).
• The go‑live date, when the new council officially begins operating (commonly 1 April).

Recent national plans show many new unitary councils going live in April 2028, following elections the previous May. Surrey, which followed an accelerated timeline, will see its new councils take effect in April 2027.

3.    A transition team is created

All councils involved set up a joint transition team. This group brings together senior officers, project managers, service leaders, HR specialists and digital experts. Their job is to plan how hundreds of services, systems and staff will merge into one organisation – without disrupting the day to day services residents rely on.

Local Government Association guidance confirms that areas receive support at this stage, including help with workforce planning, governance and service transformation.

4.    Residents are kept informed and consulted

Even after the decision, consultation remains important. Government guidance says that statutory consultation before final implementation is important so residents and stakeholders continue to have a voice on specific elements of the transition.

5.    Staff, services and systems begin to merge

This is one of the biggest and most complex parts of LGR. Councils begin aligning everything from HR policies and IT systems to waste contracts and social care arrangements. Merging services and workforce structures is a major challenge, particularly given existing financial pressures in many councils.

This stage is also an opportunity: councils can redesign services, use new technology and modernise how departments work together.

6.    Budget planning and asset transfer

New councils need a single budget and financial plan. Assets – such as buildings, vehicles and contracts – must be reviewed and transferred legally to the new authority. This process must be carefully managed to avoid service disruption.

7.    Preparing for day one of the new council

In the months leading up to the go‑live date, the focus shifts to making sure the new council is safe and legal from day one. That means:

• Ensuring legal duties can be met.
• Confirming democratic structures (committees, constitution, governance).
• Making sure every service can operate on the morning the new council launches.

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