The Government is progressing proposals to reorganise local government by replacing the current two-tier system with single-tier unitary councils. As part of this process, it is considering whether to postpone principal authority elections scheduled for May 2026 in areas where reorganisation proposals have been submitted but not yet decided.
Although parish and town councils in this area are not directly affected by election postponements in 2026 and remain outside the scope of local government reorganisation, MHCLG has invited their views. Councils may choose to comment on the principle of postponement and/or the broader implications of local government reorganisation.
There are no parish or town council elections scheduled in May 2026, so councils will not be directly affected by any postponement of principal authority elections. County council elections are currently scheduled for May 2026 but may be postponed by one year if the county council requests this.
Decisions about whether county council elections proceed or are postponed may affect the wider local government timetable and context during the reorganisation period. Your council may therefore wish to highlight any indirect implications for parish and town councils.
Parish and town councils that wish to make representations may contact MHCLG at: