What Angela Rayner's super councils could look like: The areas lined up to get new mayors as new Labour stealth tax fears grow over plan to merge local authorities
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Labour has denied it is trying to create 'super-councils' as it brings in a major reform of local authorities that has been accused of providing cover for tax rises. Angela Rayner's 'devolution revolution' will create more directly elected Mayors, who will have the powers to impose a 'Mayoral Precept' on top of council tax, for large parts of England.
![[Unveiling the plans yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister Ms Rayner said England will go from one of the 'most centralised' nations to one where local leaders 'with skin in the game' have significant powers.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/10/93226051-0-image-a-36_1734430203878.jpg)
Her reforms will see areas with a current two-tier system of district/borough and county councils streamlined into one authority covering around 500,000 people. But these will then come together in mayor-led 'strategic authorities' covering areas with a population of at least 1.5million, with powers over things like planning and public transport.
![[The Deputy PM (pictured in Leeds) said the Government wants to 'fill the map with devolution']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/23/93212131-14199453-The_Deputy_PM_pictured_in_Leeds_said_the_Government_wants_to_fil-a-18_1734390244504.jpg)
The change may also force authorities to delay elections organised for May 2025, and the White Paper admits that one of the aims is to 'reduce the number of politicians' involved in decision-making. Ms Rayner has already signed off on the creation of mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and the combined authority of Hull and East Yorkshire, which are set to be elected next year.
Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Cheshire are thought to be next to bid to have a Mayor. See what the changes may mean in your area in our graphic below:. . The reforms may also force councils to delay elections organised for May 2025 as two-tier authorities are replaced with 'strategic authorities' (file image of a polling station).
