Local councils are changing.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process of changing how local councils are organised and what they are responsible for. It will be the most significant overhaul of local government since the 1970s.
A White Paper published in December last year asked district/borough and county councils across England to submit proposals for LGR by March 21st 2025, with more detailed plans required by November 29th 2025.
The final decision on the way forward will be taken by the Government, which wants to replace district and county councils with unitary authorities providing a single tier of local government. In most areas, will mean creating councils that serve at least 500,000 people.
There may be exceptions, however, to make sure the new system works well for each area and each decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A unitary authority is a single council that handles all local services in an area such as education, transport, planning, fire and public safety, social care, libraries, waste management, and trading standards.
Unitary councils are designed to simplify local governance by consolidating services under one authority. Here’s a helpful website to explain the different types of council.
Unless there is a complete reversal of the policy set out in the Government’s Devolution White Paper, there is currently no route by which South Kesteven can continue to operate as a district council.
As things stand, South Kesteven District Council will become part of a much larger unitary structure.
In its initial response SKDC is proposing a preferred option for LGR in Greater Lincolnshire that would see the creation of three unitary authorities:
Lincolnshire County Council, the seven county’s seven district councils and two existing unitary councils have all responded to the request for initial proposals.
No. All councils must follow the roadmap mandated in December’s White Paper and ‘no change’ is not an option.
The Government has been clear that it wants all small unitaries and two-tier areas to bring forward proposals for reorganisation. It intends to deliver this process as quickly as possible, including through legislation where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.
When and how will a decision be made?
Interim plans submitted in March could include more than one option and are not set in stone. Full proposals must be submitted by 28th November 2025.
The Government has said it aims to carry out public consultation around proposals for LGR in early 2026. The Government expects to make its final decision by summer 2026.
There are multiple competing proposals - how will the final proposal be selected?
Lincolnshire is a big place and LGR is a significant and impactful issue. It is natural for there to be diverse views on how best to reorganise, and so different proposals have been submitted by authorities in the county.
Following the submission of the interim proposals in March, there is not a single area across the country where consensus between all local authorities has been achieved. In previous reorganisations, for example in Cumbria and Somerset, the Government received multiple proposals and took forward multiple options for statutory consultation.
Who will make the final decision?
The final decision on proposals for LGR will be taken by the Government. Council leaders are responsible for submitting full proposals by 28th November 2025. These proposals must also be supported by evidence and widespread engagement. It will then be down to the Government to consult.
How can I get involved?
There will be a comprehensive package of public engagement to help develop final proposals to be submitted by 28th November 2025.
Once a proposal has been submitted, it will be for the Government to decide on a proposal to take forward and to consult upon as required by statute.
Will there be a referendum?
No. The Government has outlined the process and there is no requirement for a referendum.
What is the timescale for LGR?
The Government is planning two waves of LGR implementation - one in April 2027 and one in April 2028. Lincolnshire will be part of the second wave.
Who will deliver local services during the reorganisation process?
Under the Government’s timetable, South Kesteven District Council and all other Lincolnshire councils will continue to deliver all their usual services up until ‘vesting day’ for the new unitary councils in April 2028, whereupon all local services will be delivered by a unitary council.
Will Council Tax go up or down following reorganisation?
Council Tax rates will need to be amended in areas with new authorities. It means some rates may go up or down depending on where you live but it is not expected that rates will change significantly for taxpayers.
What about council tenants?
Any councils with housing stock (some are managed by other providers) would simply transfer the stock to the new council. For tenants, their landlord will be a different council, but their home and status as council tenants will stay the same. We are committed to ensure tenants are kept fully informed about the process.
What will be the impact on council rents?
Rents will not be directly impacted by LGR. Rent levels will continue to be considered annually as part of usual processes.
