Twenty-nine English councils to delay elections, minister confirms

"Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told the House of Commons he had approved delays for 29 councils until 2027, with a final application still under consideration due to being submitted on Thursday morning. Opposition MPs have criticised the decision, saying delays would potentially disenfranchise millions of voters, but Reed stressed the "vast majority" of elections would still be going ahead. A major shake-up of local government is underway, which will abolish some authorities, and postponing ballots is intended to help deliver that reorganisation."

"The delays were needed so the issue of duplication across local government could be tackled, he said, accusing the Conservatives of having "sat back and ignored this problem" for the last 14 years. Reed said the aim was to save "tens of millions of pounds" of taxpayer money that was currently being wasted by some citizens having to shell out for "two sets of councillors, two sets of chief executives, and two sets of financial directors"."

Almost half of 63 English local council polls planned for May will be postponed, with Local Government Secretary Steve Reed approving delays for 29 councils until 2027 and one final application still under consideration. Reed said he had listened "carefully" to 350 representations and confirmed legislation to allow postponement would be brought forward. The postponements are intended to support a major local government shake-up that will abolish some authorities and tackle duplication across councils. Reed argued the changes will save "tens of millions of pounds" by eliminating duplicated roles and wasting taxpayer money. Opposition MPs warned delays could disenfranchise millions and criticised the decision.

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