Local Government reorganisation pause: “an embarrassing and chaotic climbdown”

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the Government’s decision to pause plans for Local Government reorganisation in light of new legal advice, Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson Zöe Franklin MP said:

“This is an embarrassing and chaotic climbdown, which has resulted in already cash-strapped councils wasting huge sums on plans the Government told them were legally watertight.

“Many local authorities, on the front line of delivering vital services such as adult social care and SEND support, were relying on this reorganisation to survive financially. Many are now left with nothing, potentially putting essential services and vulnerable people at risk.

“This episode has caused serious democratic harm, and Angela Rayner must urgently explain what comes next for communities left in limbo.”

ENDS