The Local Government Shake Up: What Gypsies and Travellers Need to Know
The impending reorganisation of England’s councils by the government WILL affect local Gypsies and Travellers – writes Claire Rice
In December 2024 the new English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill signaled that all two‑tier counties in England must reorganize into unitary councils. On 5 February 2025 the Minister for Local Government formally invited councils in the remaining 21 two‑tier areas (and some small neighbouring unitary councils) to submit plans. Each area has been asked to put forward a single proposal (or a set of competing proposals) by late November 2025, with the government aiming to run elections for “shadow” councils in May 2027 (earlier in priority areas) and to bring the new unitary authorities into being by April 2028. Counties such as Surrey are on an accelerated programme and expect elections in May 2026.
Under this programme the existing county councils and district/borough councils will be abolished and replaced by unitary councils responsible for everything from roads and schools to housing and planning. For the Gypsy and Traveller community this will affect who runs council sites, collects rent and provide services, so it is important to understand what is proposed in each county.
Different proposals across the country
Every county must decide how many unitary councils to create. There is no one‑size‑fits‑all solution; some counties want large councils to achieve economies of scale, while others argue for smaller councils that keep services local. Here is a snapshot of proposals in areas where significant Traveller communities live.
Essex
– three or five?
Essex County Council is pushing to replace the 15 current authorities with three large unitary councils . One of the proposed councils would combine Uttlesford, Braintree, Colchester and Tendring, grouping coastal districts with rural north‑west Essex. By contrast, a coalition of district councils – including Southend, Chelmsford and Uttlesford – argues for five smaller “Goldilocks” councils that protect local identity and keep services closer to residents. A consultation of 7,300 people found most respondents preferred the five‑council model when change was necessary. Final proposals are expected to be submitted in September/November 2025.
Hertfordshire
– two, three or four
Hertfordshire’s leaders have already ruled out a single county‑wide unitary. An interim blueprint released on 3 September 2025 set out three options: two unitaries (East and West), three unitaries (splitting the east from central and west) or four unitaries. Residents have been invited to give feedback through surveys and engagement events until the end of September, and a final submission must be made by 28 November 2025. In every scenario, the ten district councils and the county council would be abolished; the new authority (or authorities) would run services currently split between the tiers.
Norfolk and Suffolk
– three councils in each
Six Norfolk district councils have joined forces to propose three new unitary councils for the county. Their “Future Norfolk” plan argues that three councils will keep decisions close to local communities while still delivering savings and efficiencies. In neighbouring Suffolk, all districts and the county council have agreed a three‑unitary model covering Central & Eastern Suffolk, Western Suffolk and Ipswich & Southern Suffolk. The proposal emphasises that cutting six councils to three would save at least £34 million a year and reinvest £20 million in services, with additional savings of £67.5 million from more localised social care.
Devon
– a single “New Devon” council
Devon County Council is exploring whether a single unitary authority is the “least‑worst” option for replacing its eight districts. A report published in September 2025 argues that one council would deliver efficiency savings, unify services and offer a strong voice in devolution negotiations. The proposal would keep Plymouth and Torbay as separate unitary councils. More than 6,000 residents responded to a survey on the idea, and a final decision is expected in November 2025.
Nottingham & Nottinghamshire
– two unitaries
Nottinghamshire County Council and its districts are considering several options. In August 2025 the council recommended a plan for two unitary councils: one covering Nottingham City, Broxtowe and Gedling, and another covering Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark & Sherwood and Rushcliffe. Councillors were due to vote on the proposal at an extraordinary meeting on 2 September 2025 before submitting a final plan in November.
Surrey
– two councils (East and West)
As part of the accelerated programme, Surrey submitted its final plan in summer 2025. The county council and two districts propose two unitary councils, split east–west. The plan argues that two councils would be large enough to manage services but small enough to remain local. The West authority would include Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking; the East authority would cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge. Elections to the shadow councils are expected in May 2026.
These examples show the diversity of options. Other counties, such as Norfolk, Suffolk, Derbyshire, Cheshire East/West and Lancashire, are also developing proposals that range from one to four unitary councils; however, details vary, and final decisions have not yet been made.
What does this mean for Gypsy and Traveller communities?
- Council‑run sites will transfer to new landlords. Council‑owned Traveller sites and transit sites currently managed by county councils (e.g., Essex or Hertfordshire) will automatically transfer to the new unitary authority covering that area. Tenancy or licence agreements remain valid, but the name of the landlord changes. In future, repairs, rent setting and site allocations will be handled by the new council, not the county.
- Specialist Traveller Units could be disrupted. Many counties have dedicated Gypsy and Traveller Units with expertise in site management and community liaison. When county councils are abolished, those teams may be split up or absorbed into larger departments. This could dilute expertise or reduce the priority given to Traveller issues unless the new councils commit to retaining specialist staff.
- Policy divergence is likely. Because each new unitary will decide its own policies on site allocation, rent levels and enforcement, there is a risk of a postcode lottery. For example, in Essex the five‑council model might produce three landlords handling Traveller sites instead of one county council. Differences in budgets and political priorities could lead to unequal investment or support across counties.
- Opportunities for stronger local influence. Smaller unitary councils may be more responsive to local voices. Proposals in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk emphasise “keeping services local” and “community engagement”. For Traveller communities, new councils may offer opportunities to build relationships with councillors and influence housing and planning policies, particularly if they establish Neighbourhood Area Committees as proposed in Devon.
- Time to have your say. Most counties are consulting residents on their proposals. Surveys, roadshow events and online feedback forms are open in September–October 2025 in Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire and other counties. Final submissions must be made by late November, after which the government will hold a statutory consultation. It is vital that Gypsies and Travellers respond to these consultations, either individually or through Gypsy and Traveller advocacy organisations to ensure site provision and community services are prioritised.
National policy changes on site provision
Alongside structural reform, the government updated its Planning Policy for Traveller Sites in December 2024. The revised policy expands the definition of “Traveller” to include people who have stopped travelling permanently or temporarily, recognising cultural traditions. Councils must now maintain a rolling five‑year supply of deliverable Traveller sites and face a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” if they cannot demonstrate adequate provision. These changes could improve the supply of authorised pitches, but only if local authorities prioritise them in their housing strategies.
Conclusion – stay informed and get involved
The move to unitary councils is a major reconfiguration of local government in England. Whether your home county proposes one large council or several smaller ones, the changes will determine who manages Traveller sites, allocates pitches and funds support services. Your tenancy rights on existing sites remain unchanged, but the new councils will decide how services are delivered and what investment is made.
To ensure Gypsy and Traveller voices are heard:
- Follow developments in your county. Check your county and district council websites for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) updates and consultations.
- Respond to surveys and attend engagement events. Local councils are actively seeking feedback on proposed structures. Input from Traveller communities can influence whether councils choose a large or small model and how they plan for site provision.
- Work with advocacy groups. Organisations can help amplify your voice and submit collective responses to government consultations.
The future shape of local government will affect Gypsy and Traveller communities for decades. Now is the moment to engage, ask questions, and ensure that when the new councils take over in 2027/28, they are accountable to all of their residents – including those who live on Traveller sites.
By Claire Rice, Project Coordinator for Drive2Survive
(Lead photograph: The Meriden green belt Traveller site under development. Meriden Traveller site became a news staple in the national and local media for three years around 2010, after local residents and other non-local supporters ganged-up to successfully campaign to get the site evicted © Damian Le Bas)
(All flag images free to use courtesy of the UK Flag Institute)