local government | The Intelligent

Government confirms shake-up for 14 English council areas

The UK government announced reorganisation decisions for 14 English areas on 16 July 2026, replacing 134 councils with 38 new unitary authorities.

Olivia Evans

17 JUL · 4 min read

Wakefield council abandons net zero targets to focus on resident priorities

Reform UK-led Wakefield Council plans to abandon its 2030 carbon neutrality target and cut its climate budget by £170,000 following a June vote to rescind 2019 emergency declarations.

Henry Roberts

16 JUL · 4 min read

Essex County Council to step back from climate action commission from end of July

Essex County Council will withdraw support for the Essex Climate Action Commission from the end of July 2026 under Reform UK leadership.

Sienna Bell

12 JUL · 4 min read