Thirty English councils are scrambling to reinstate local elections after the Government reversed plans to delay them until 2027. The ballots, affecting more than 4.5 million voters, will now go ahead on 7 May following legal advice sought after a challenge from Reform UK. The ministry of housing and local government confirmed the U-turn, alongside a £63 million fund to support council reorganisation. Nigel Farage described the decision as a 'victory for democracy', claiming the Government had backed down. However, election administrators warn that months of essential preparation have been lost. Officials had paused planning to avoid unnecessary expense and now face an intense period of catch-up to secure polling stations, staff, and smooth operations. Councillors across parties have expressed frustration, citing confusion and instability caused by repeated changes. Some fear wider plans for devolution and local government reform are now uncertain, leaving councils and residents seeking clarity.