Plans for a major reorganisation of councils in England are on hold after the government received new legal advice, although Surrey’s devolution is not affected.

It means local elections in May will go ahead under existing boundaries.

Reform UK had launched legal challenges in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

East and West Surrey aren’t affected, and will go live in April 2027 as planned.

The 11 borough and district councils are in the process of being amalgamated into the two new Unitary Authorities.