Postponing elections in 29 areas allows councils to focus on delivering once-in-a-generation reorganization that will eliminate wasteful duplication of two-tier bureaucracy. Residents will still vote in May 2027 for new unified councils that operate from April 2028, ensuring faster decisions on housing and more money for frontline services like fixing potholes and caring for older people instead of funding redundant chief executives and councillors. This proven reform ends confusion and waste while making local government more effective and responsive to community needs.