The Government’s decision to review and pause 16, and withdraw four, parts of the local government reorganisation (LGR) programme will create further uncertainty for those councils, communities and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
Proposals for Essex, Hampshire, Suffolk and Norfolk have been withdrawn. All other areas including Cambridgeshire and West Sussex that were still awaiting an annoucement, plans have been paused pending a review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government [MHCLG].
Across areas affected by LGR, local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) and VCFSEorganisations have invested significant time and resources in building relationships, developing partnerships and preparing to work across proposed new council boundaries. Much of this work is about ensuring that communities have a voice in shaping the changes that affect them and that new councils can draw on local knowledge, relationships and expertise.
Whilst the detail and implications of the review are currently unknown, it is important that the relationships built through this process are maintained. Whatever the eventual shape of local government, strong relationships between councils, LIOs, the wider VCFSE sector and communities will remain essential to effective local government and strong places.
We encourage councils and VCFSE organisations to stay connected throughout this period of uncertainty, continuing to share information, maintain dialogue and build on the partnerships that have already been established.
The government should also provide a clear timeline for the review, to remove as much uncertainty as possible for both councils and VCFSE organisations.
This project will continue to support VCFSE organisations through the changing LGR landscape and make the case for the vital role of local infrastructure in connecting communities, the VCFSE sector and public services.
Read the full government announcement here, which includes details of the areas being reviewed or withdrawn: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-of-local-government-reorganisation-launched