Councils face 'uphill struggle' after elections delay U-turn

The UK government has abandoned its plans to delay local elections in England, leaving 30 councils facing an "uphill struggle" to organize elections. The decision comes after the government initially proposed postponing the polls due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the move was met with criticism, leading the government to reverse its decision. The affected councils now have a limited time frame to prepare for the local elections, which are scheduled to take place in May 2023. This sudden change poses significant logistical and financial challenges for the councils, as they must quickly mobilize resources, update voter registers, and ensure the safe and efficient conduct of the polls. The article highlights the difficulties faced by local authorities in adapting to this last-minute change, with concerns raised about the potential impact on voter turnout and the overall integrity of the electoral process. The government's decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing the initial proposal to delay the elections and others expressing concerns about the short notice given to the affected councils.