Putting off polls 'could be harmful'

THE Electoral Commission has voiced concern about the prospect of further delays to local elections, saying capacity constraints are not a legitimate reason to postpone long-planned polls.

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Some 63 council areas due to hold elections in May could postpone them until 2027 after some told ministers they lack the capacity to reorganise in time, the Government said.

It comes as Labour's plans to scrap two-tier authorities and merge them into single unitary councils by 2028 are implemented.