Labour’s ‘devolution revolution’ aims to simplify local authorities but will force some to combine with others in financial distress

People in areas neighbouring bankrupt councils in England could see their council tax bills rise and services cut under Labour’s plans for the most radical shake-up of local government this century.

Under plans championed by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, for a “devolution revolution”, the government is pushing to merge dozens of small district and county councils in order to streamline services.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/10/mergers-of-english-councils-could-lead-to-tax-rises-due-to-high-debt-levels