Article: 19th November, 2025, Anthony Collins, Corporate Partner

Local Government Reorganisation: What you need to know about Structural Changes Orders

Big changes are coming for local government in England. Final proposals for reorganisation in 14 areas are due by 28 November 2025, following earlier submissions for Surrey and the six “devolution priority” areas. Once proposals land, the Secretary of State will undertake a public consultation and then decide which plans go ahead — paving the way for a single tier of unitary local government.

So, where do Structural Changes Orders (SCOs) fit in?

Think of an SCO as the legal blueprint for change. It’s a statutory instrument made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 that implements reorganisation. An SCO will:

· Abolish two-tier local government areas and constitute new single-tier areas;

· Wind up and dissolve existing county and district councils and create new unitary authorities;

· Set out electoral arrangements — councillor numbers, ward boundaries, and elections.

· Cover transitional details about what is to transfer.

For areas with more than one new unitary authority, SCOs will require shadow councils and initially joint committees to manage the transition. These bodies will handle everything from implementation plans to appointing key officers ahead of “vesting day” when the new unitary authorities are established.

Why does this matter now?

Even before decisions are announced, councils should start planning to the extent possible. Once an SCO comes into force, timelines will be tight. The preparation of the SCO is the chance for councils to influence how reorganisation works in practice — from governance structures to electoral arrangements.

Our recommendations

· Begin mapping out what needs to go into an SCO now.

· Look at past LGR examples for what they could contain.

· Consider the composition of transitional bodies, governance arrangements, and resource requirements early.

· Consider who to collaborate with – this is uncertain at the moment as it will depend on the decisions of the Secretary of State which councils will need to work together but the more prepared councils are, the easier the transition will be.

For tailored advice on SCOs and navigating LGR, get in touch with Claire Ward – Claire.ward@anthonycollins.com You can also visit Anthony Collins’ LGR Hub for resources, regular updates and insights on local government reorganisation.