Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to provide that any reorganisation of local government in England involving changes to electoral boundaries, the establishment of combined authorities, or other specified changes may not be undertaken unless such reorganisation has been approved by a simple majority of residents of any affected local government area voting in a referendum; to make provision about the organisation of such referendums; and for connected purposes.

Progress through Parliament

What 2nd reading means, and what happens next

Second reading is the first full debate on the principle of the bill. The House votes on whether it should proceed at all.

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Read the full guide to this stage: What happens at second reading of a bill

Questions about the Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill

What stage is the Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill at?

The Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill is currently at 2nd reading.

What happens next to the Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill?

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Who sponsored the Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill?

The Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill was sponsored by Mr Peter Bedford.

When was the Local Government Reorganisation (Requirement for Referendum) Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 28 January 2026, at first reading.

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