New Report – LOOKING TO 2050: The future of local government – Local PartnershipsNew Report – LOOKING TO 2050: The future of local government – Local Partnerships
New Report – LOOKING TO 2050: The future of local government
Combined Authorities, Local Government, UK Central Government
New research finds devolution alone does not guarantee success for local areas.
Councils need clarity, coherence and a long-term plan from Government to deliver devolution at scale. The report, from the LGIU (Local Government Information Unit), supported by Local Partnerships, concludes that a model of governance which improves regional economic outcomes, supports housing growth, tackles inequality, embeds fiscal sustainability and strengthens climate resilience can be built – but will require a purposeful design of roles, responsibilities and long-term direction.
10 Steps to a Coherent System by 2050
Define a clear national purpose for Strategic Authorities.
Map enduring responsibilities: local by default, regional where beneficial, national only where necessary.
Modernise Whitehall to lead on frameworks, not micromanage.
Establish a statutory Mayoral Council for England.
Roll out integrated funding settlements nationwide.
Consolidate growth and investment programmes under strategic authorities.
Build shared governance and accountability frameworks between regions and councils.
Strengthen institutional resilience with stable boundaries and workforce planning.
Develop a Collaboration Toolkit for consistent practice.
Set a clear pathway to 2050 with a sliding scale of ambition.
The full report, informed by a sector-wide survey across all current combined authority areas, as well as in-depth interviews with senior officials, leaders and mayors, is available on our website.
Local Partnerships bridges the gap between central government policy and local government delivery, and we’re here to support you through reform and beyond. If you’d like to know more or discuss how we can help, please get in touch.
We have launched a refreshed Local Partnerships website, designed to make it easier for people across the public sector to find the support, expertise and practical resources they need. The website better reflects who we are, the breadth of our work and how we help public sector organisations turn complex challenges into practical delivery. Whether you […]
For almost every area, the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions are now in. As always, when big changes are made by the UK Government, some people will have met the announcement with delight, while others will be bitterly disappointed. Whether you were dancing in your office chair or had your head in your hands, the […]
Our Impact Report 2025-26 is here We’re proud to share our Impact Report 2025-26 – showcasing another year of delivering meaningful outcomes for the public sector and the communities it serves. As organisations navigate increasing financial pressures, Local Government Reorganisation, and growing demands on services, the report highlights how we’ve worked alongside our partners across England and […]
Talk to Us
