There should be 136 local council elections taking place on Thursday, 7 May however 29 county council, district and unitary authorities’ elections will be postponed for a year. This equates to around 4.5 million people unable to vote, but why?
In short, the reason is because Labour was over ambitious in its ​‘devolution revolution’ and unrealistic in the timescale needed to implement these changes. In July 2024, the then secretary of state for Housing and Communities and Local Government wrote to local council leaders in England to explain the devolution plans.
In summary, the proposals were to:
Create ​‘Strategic Authorities’ by bringing together combined county authorities to make decisions about transport, local infrastructure, housing and planning, skills, public safety and so.
Reorganise local governments so that district and county councils will come together to form one large unitary councils who are responsible for all services. Many councils are still finalising their structures and the bill that sets out the details and scope of English devolution reform is in the committee stage in the House of Lords.
Labour confirm 29 councils will be postponed till 2027 possibly 2028
On 22 January, Steve Reed the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government issued a statement in parliament, confirming 29 elections will be postponed and legislation will be brought forward for parliament to agree to this delay. There is much confusion in Westminster and within councils across England on whether this delay can go ahead.
To find out if your council election is going ahead, we encourage church leaders and individual congregants to visit the Electoral Commission’s website.
In the interim, the advocacy team will provide commentary and analysis on the key issues that will dominate local elections. We want to equip Christians to engage in these elections in a biblical and confident way.
Resources to help your engagement
Thinking faithfully about politics
Our latest research offers a snapshot of how evangelicals think and act as they engage in politics
Have your say on a £20 million fund in your community
The expanded Pride in Place scheme is an opportunity for Christians and government to work together to develop local communities
