Government confirms England's biggest council overhaul: 134 authorities to become 38

The government confirmed plans to replace England's two-tier council system across 14 areas, merging 134 authorities into 38 unitary bodies. Communities Secretary Steve Reed said the changes would end "wasteful" duplication and improve services. Elections are scheduled for next May, with the new authorities expected to operate by April 2028. The reform applies to England only; council structures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are devolved.