Presented by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, the English Devolution White Paper proposes a significant overhaul of the local government system in England.
In this blog, we will explore how these proposals will change the current system, the implications of the white paper, as well as the mixed reaction to the report.
What is the Current System?
Currently, in the majority of England, there are two tiers of local government: county and district authorities, where council services are split between the two.
Metropolitan areas, such as London, as well as certain shire areas, operate under a single-tier system, where one council covers all services for that area.
In total, there are 317 local authorities in England, divided into five different types:
- County
- District
- Unitary authority
- London Borough
- Metropolitan area
At present, there are 21 county councils and 164 district councils under the two-tier system. In these areas, county councils handle services like education, transport, and social services, while district councils manage housing, planning, and waste collection.
Figure 1: Map of current English devolution landscape, December 2024
Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
The remaining 132 councils work as a single tier and are responsible for all government services within those areas.
Major cities and metropolitan areas often have their own combined authorities or regional mayors. These combined authorities can be set up by two or more local authorities, allowing councils in the area to make collective decisions while maintaining existing local authorities.
What are the Proposed Changes?
The English Devolution White Paper proposes a significant overhaul of this system by introducing a new three-tier devolution framework. It will replace the two-tier local governments with unitary authorities, leading to fewer, larger authorities. Based on previous changes, this would result in council areas covering 500,000 people or more, though this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A key element of the changes is the introduction of “strategic authorities.” These would function similarly to combined authorities and the Greater London Authority. Under the new system, these areas will have clearly defined powers and be under the authority of a local mayor.
Regional mayors will be given greater powers and funding flexibility, including control over spatial development, economic powers, and employment support.
The aim is to allow local areas greater control, improve efficiencies, and provide better value for money. By allowing strategic authorities to move funding between policy areas through integrated settlements, the goal is better value and outcomes.
These changes will primarily impact two-tier local government areas, aiming to create larger, single-tier unitary authorities.
Why are These Changes Being Proposed?
The main goal of these changes is to reduce regional inequality, boost local economies, and create a more balanced distribution of power and resources across England. By decentralizing power from the central government to regional authorities, the White Paper aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance.
By giving local leaders more control over economic development and infrastructure projects, the aim is to encourage regional growth and enhance public services, streamlining decision-making and reducing bureaucracy.
Responses to the Changes
While the proposed changes will help local areas “take back control,” concerns have been raised over the potential disruption to services. The County Councils Network welcomed the changes and sees the benefits in terms of more accountable governance and improved growth, but emphasizes that any changes need to enhance, not diminish, the role of local authorities in delivering day-to-day services.
The District Councils Network, on the other hand, warns against “geographically vast councils that are remote from local communities.” There are fears about the potential impact on local identity and community cohesion, as well as a loss of local representation.
Next Steps
This month, councils had the opportunity to apply to be part of the first wave of changes under the government’s priority programme.
Councils such as Thurrock, Surrey, and Oxfordshire have requested to be among the first to update, all requesting to postpone their local elections due to be held in May. Councils looking to be part of the priority programme must submit their proposals by Autumn 2025.
While the government is looking to move ahead quickly with these plans, it is likely to happen in waves, with new councils being introduced in 2027/2028.