The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced on 7 September 2026 a review of plans to streamline local government, intended to check that the process is robust and aligns with the new government's priorities. Following updated legal advice, ministers said decisions on Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk had been withdrawn. Plans for 14 other areas, along with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex, were being reviewed and paused while the work is carried out.

Secretary of State Angela Rayner told Parliament that she wanted to confirm the right process is in place, that it is robust and complies with the law, and to test whether the proposals meet the priorities of the new administration and Prime Minister. She said she recognised the work already done in each area. The government confirmed local elections in May 2027 would go ahead on existing council boundaries.

Reorganisation in Surrey was not affected by the review, with two new unitary authorities, East and West Surrey, planned to go live in April 2027.