NAWDO press statement – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) decision to review LGR programme
8th September 2026
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The Government’s announcement yesterday brings significant uncertainty for councils who have been working hard on transition plans. NAWDO calls on the Government to acknowledge that Waste Disposal Officers have dedicated time and money to enact the Government's LGR programme, at the same time as implementing Government’s legislation reforms.
The future is now extremely uncertainty. If we do not know the formation and number of councils that will exist in impacted areas we cannot plan for the future, and opportunities for optimising waste and recycling services will continue to be pushed back.
However, an extended timetable might give time for the Government to reinstate legislation for establishing Joint Waste Authorities, which would protect waste services from LGR fragmentation. Similarly, the Government will have more time to develop its devolution offer – which should enable waste service delivery at the Strategic Authority level, like in Greater Manchester.
Government must work in partnership with councils to reshape their reform programme with input from those who understand what will work best for local residents. A clear plan is needed soon, to give councils and the industry enough confidence to invest in the future.
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