08/09/2026
Yesterday's announcement by the Government, launching a review of its reorganisation programme, represents a significant change in the Local Government Reorganisation landscape. Four decisions have been withdrawn and a further 14 areas are now paused and under review, including Lancashire, where councils had already been preparing for the next stage of reorganisation.
Considerable work has gone into preparing for specific structures and transition plans which may no longer proceed on the timetable, or potentially in the form, that had been expected.
Our view is that this makes continuity of leadership and organisational capacity particularly important. Through the North West Employers and Castlefield Recruitment partnership, we are already supporting councils across the region as they assess what the review means locally and consider how best to maintain flexibility through a changing landscape.
North West Employers also continues to play a central role in supporting its member organisations through this period of change, providing advice, insight, peer support and a forum for councils to share experience and navigate the implications of the review together.
What is clear is that LGR has not gone away. The Government remains committed to effective and sustainable local government, while also testing whether the current proposals align with its wider plans for devolution and public-sector reform.
For the sector, the priority now is less about predicting the final outcome and more about ensuring organisations remain supported, resilient and well led while the review takes place.
Through the partnership, our focus remains on the leadership and organisational challenges that emerge as the position develops, and on helping councils retain the capacity and flexibility they need to respond.
