Government to review Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals
The Government’s decision to review LGR proposals in a number of areas includes the proposal for two new unitary authorities in Warwickshire. The review will consider whether the proposed reorganisations nationally are legally robust and aligned with the Government’s priorities.
Published: 7 September 2026
The government decided on 16 July 2026 that Warwickshire should be divided into two with a new North Warwickshire Council covering North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Rugby Borough, and a new South Warwickshire Council covering Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon. The proposed new councils had been expected to come into effect from April 2028, subject to the necessary parliamentary process.
On 7 September 2026, the Local Government Secretary, Angela Rayner, told MPs that “in light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law” 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 Government’s latest announcement means the Warwickshire proposals are currently on hold while the review takes place. It does not, at this stage, mean that the proposals have been permanently cancelled.
The Government has also confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on the existing council boundaries while the review is undertaken.