Member

I can therefore assure noble Lords that the Local Authorities (Changes to Years of Ordinary Elections) (England) Order 2025 is essential to allow this first wave of an ambitious programme to be delivered. This order grants permission for postponement for 12 months only and is only for the nine councils whose requests met the high bar we set. These areas have demonstrated the clear and strong local leadership and ambition that is needed to drive forward this programme to these timelines. The Government will get on with delivering what areas need, including taking the difficult decisions that are needed.