Beyond LGR: preparing for the next phase of local government reform

Decisions affecting four areas have been withdrawn, plans elsewhere are being reviewed, and the timetable for implementation is no longer clear. However, this should not be interpreted as the end of local government reform.

The more important question is now wider than whether LGR proceeds in its current form. Councils must consider how reorganisation, devolution and place-based public service delivery could develop together, and what this means for governance, collaboration, resilience and risk.

Rather than preparing for one predetermined organisational structure, authorities may now need to prepare for several possible reform scenarios while continuing to deliver essential services and longer-term transformation.

Is Local Government Reorganisation still happening?

The Government continues to support simpler and more sustainable local government structures, but the current LGR programme, its timetable and the decisions already taken in several areas are now under review.

The review will consider how the current programme aligns with the Government’s wider ambitions for devolution, sustainable local government and place-based public service delivery.

Discussion at the LGC Summit suggested that responses across the sector are currently mixed. Some local authorities have reportedly been encouraged to continue aspects of their workstreams, while others have been advised to pause activity until further guidance is provided.

For councils, this means maintaining focus on long-term objectives while remaining flexible enough to adapt as further information becomes available.

What are councils discussing?

In short, conversations about transformation and collaboration have not stopped.

While attention is understandably focused on the implications of the latest announcement, local authority leaders continue to explore opportunities that could support future improvement and deliver better outcomes for their communities. Discussion at the LGC Summit suggested there remains a strong appetite to consider how local government structures can evolve to support local priorities and public service delivery.

Key themes being explored include:

• Maintaining momentum on important transformation discussions
• Preparing for a range of future scenarios
• Identifying opportunities for collaboration and shared service delivery
• Understanding how devolution could influence future local government structures

What are the possible scenarios?

The short answer is that no single outcome has been confirmed.

Sector discussions highlighted several potential scenarios, ranging from LGR progressing broadly as planned through to a slower implementation timetable. Other possibilities include proposals being revised following the outcome of the Government’s review  or devolution emerging as the primary mechanism for future reform.

While there is currently no certainty about which path will be taken, the discussions reinforced the importance of flexibility, preparedness and strategic planning. Councils that understand the potential implications of each scenario will be better positioned to respond effectively when decisions are made.

Looking beyond LGR

The strongest message emerging from sector discussions is that councils should continue preparing for change.

Rather than concentrating solely on future organisational structures, many authorities are focusing on challenges that are likely to remain important regardless of the outcome. These include workforce planning, retention, governance, risk management, decision-making and maintaining service resilience during periods of change.

This period also provides an opportunity to review plans, assess organisational readiness and identify actions that will deliver value irrespective of how reform ultimately develops. Taking practical steps now can help reduce disruption and strengthen resilience in the future.