New partnership offers fresh support on devolution and local government reorganisation challenges

Councils will get new support to manage the challenges of devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) through new partnership research by Local Partnerships and the LGIU (Local Government Information Unit). 

The new strategic partnership will launch with an inaugural research project launched in November, exploring how current working relationships between local and combined authorities could inform a blueprint for service delivery in the future. The findings will be revealed at a House of Commons reception on Thursday 27 November. 

Another milestone has just been reached with the Government’s LGR deadline for Devolution Priority Programme areas. This highlights the significance of the scale and pace of the Government’s LGR schedule. This project is part of a solutions-focused research programme designed to directly support council officers and elected members, enhancing the sector’s understanding of emerging challenges and potential opportunities from devolution and LGR. 

The research brings together experts from the two organisations with leading local authorities who have already gone through these processes, generating invaluable insights to inform decision-making across other authorities on the LGR journey. 

Adele Gritten, Chief Executive, Local Partnerships, said: “Local authorities are being asked to deliver more at greater speed while navigating the complex challenges of devolution and reorganisation. Through this partnership with LGIU, we want to give councils practical insight and the confidence to make decisions that work for their communities. By combining our experience with the sector’s own lessons learned, this research will provide a blueprint that helps councils manage change and seize the opportunities it can bring.” 

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “We are delighted to announce a new strategic alliance with Local Partnerships, focused on the long-term vitality and resilience of the local government sector. 

The research will be launched on the House of Commons Thames Pavilion on Thursday 27 November following the Autumn budget. Clive Betts MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Local Government, will speak at the launch along with leading sector experts. A preview of the findings will be provided via an exclusive Ask the Expert event for LGIU members only on Friday 21 November.