The Government has received 18 outline proposals to fast-track local reform
The Government has received 18 outline proposals through the voluntary Head Start pathway, marking the next phase of work to simplify and strengthen local government in their regions.
The Government introduced the Head Start pathway in May 2026, providing councils with a three-month opportunity to develop and submit proposals for how local government arrangements could be reorganised in their regions.
This was in response to feedback on the Government’s proposed Simplifying Local Government reforms. Consultation showed support for change, while also highlighting a desire among some councils for greater flexibility to progress change at their own pace.
What happens next
Officials will now assess proposals against agreed criteria, including whether they are deliverable, support the new planning system, simplify governance arrangements, provide economies of scale, and maintain effective local representation.
Cabinet will then consider which proposals should progress to the next stage of work. Decisions are expected later this year, with successful proposals moving into a detailed design phase before final decisions are made in May 2027.
Simplifying Local Government and the new planning system are intended to work together. Councils will play a key role in delivering the new planning system, including implementing new planning rules, supporting housing growth, and enabling the infrastructure communities need. More effective local government arrangements are expected to help support these changes over time.
Any approved reorganisation proposals would be implemented ahead of the 2028 local government elections. For areas that do not progress through Head Start, the Government will continue work on a wider backstop process for local government reform, with decisions expected in 2027.