Local Government Reform
Labour has long been committed to reform local government as part of its commitment to devolution. Particularly, merging and reorganising councils. It would mean less duplication and a greater focus on service delivery. It would have seen many councils abolished in the coming years. With that in mind, the Government decided to delay local elections.
Many in Government saw it as practical. Saying elections would waste resources and time. That they would try voters’ patience. Opposition parties saw it as an attack on democracy.
Yesterday the Government announced those delayed elections will go ahead in 30 council areas. This includes councils where some believe Labour might be especially vulnerable to Reform.
That u-turn – based on changed legal advice – has shattered any sense of a calm recess.
It also heaps more significance on May’s elections. If the results are even more damaging for Labour, that will put more pressure on Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Following a legal challenge, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced 30 delayed elections will now go ahead.
What does this mean for Labour
Even the most ardent Labour supporter will concede this is nothing short of a Reform win.
They defeated the Government in the courts. The courts of law. And of public opinion.
They have also made Labour’s election battle more challenge. The expanded election map means Labour must face 4.5 million extra voters. The elections in Scotland, Wales and across England will be the largest democratic exercise since the General Election.
This presents a threat to a Prime Minister with low approval ratings. It risks being catastrophic for the Labour Party. They face losses to Reform, the Conservatives and the Green Party.
Questions regarding the Labour leadership have been put to bed in the short term. Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar’s intervention was not as damaging as it could be. However, historic losses will put questions back on the table.
Impact on planning applications
But the impact isn’t just at the national level. It’s at the local level too. Developers and housebuilders face real and immediate impact.
Projects and proposals, long in the pipeline, now face a completely different and unexpected political landscape locally. Non-controversial developments risk becoming a political football.
Planning decisions will be delayed. Where political control of councils change, so too will priorities and planning committee membership.
Newly elected councillors won’t have the experience of navigating the complex landscape of planning consent. They also have an immediate need to prove themselves among their voters.
Navigating the planning system
Renewed and refreshed political engagement is essential. Building cross-party consent will be key. Gathering local support for applications is critical.
TEAM LEWIS’ Local Government specialists, including former councillors, have worked across the country. They are experts in helping developers navigate planning committees and building local coalitions. This includes independent local surveys and door-to-door support gathering.
We stand ready to help you understand what these elections and a future change in Labour leadership mean for your business. If you would like to know how we can support your political and community engagement or prepare your business for a change in Labour leadership, get in touch today.
