How can areas successfully reorganise local government and implement devolution at the same time?

The government has launched an ambitious programme of local government reorganisation that will bring remaining two-tier areas in line with the unitary authority system that operates across most English regions and the rest of the UK. These reforms are designed to simplify council structure, transform service delivery and increase efficiency by cutting duplication.

The government has invited 21 county councils, 164 district councils and 19 small neighbouring unitary authorities to develop proposals for reorganisation. The local government reorganisation programme will proceed in parallel with a second major reform initiative: the creation of mayoral combined authorities with devolved powers in areas such as transport, skills and housing. 

Local government reorganisation is a complex and time-consuming process, and adding devolution plans increases the difficulty level further. Creating new unitary authorities and combined authorities while continuing to provide public services in the face of financial pressures will be challenging for a sector that has been struggling with workforce shortfalls and financial pressures.

Based on detailed research into past waves of local government reorganisation and devolution, this report, published in partnership with Grant Thornton UK LLP, makes a number of recommendations for how local leaders and central government can successfully navigate the challenges of ‘dual delivery’. 

A link to a PDF briefing summarising the key messages from the report can be found below.