Local Elections 2025

23 Councils in England will hold local elections on Thursday, 1 May.
Polling station exterior

In addition to the county council elections, there are also combined authority elections for regional mayors on the same day.

Not all parts of England will be going to the polls though. Several have been postponed until May 2026 due to the UK Government's plans to reorganises the local government sector in England.

Is there an election happening in your area? BBC News has an online tool you can use to find out.

If you do have an election, it's important to make a plan for using your vote. BASW produced a brief guide and checklist ahead of last year's elections that can support you for this year too.

Promote The Vote

BASW has published a practice guide to help social workers and social work students supporting individuals with a learning disability to vote in elections should they choose to do so. It is based on the experience of social workers in Bradford.

It covers the meaning and the value of voting, and the end-to-end process around PTV. Including feedback and good practice advice from social workers, this document encapsulates what involvement in voting looks like, and the benefit it can hold to those participating.

Download our Promote The Vote guidance here.

If you have any questions about elections, please contact our Political Affairs Lead on jonny.adamson@basw.co.uk 

Houses of Parliament, Westminster

BASW at Westminster

Working across the UK to influence governments and politicians in the interests of social work and social workers