WEBINAR: “Hold the line: is Local Government Reorganisation still the plan —or are we heading for a rethink?”
On the first of April from 11:00-12:00 we are hosting a webinar on the future of local government reorganisation entitled “Hold the line: is Local Government Reorganisation still the plan —or are we heading for a rethink?”
The upcoming local government reorganisation (LGR) currently being spearheaded by the Government through the English Devolution Bill represents the most significant structural change to the organisation of the country since the 1970s. In theory the new unitary authorities will improve governance and increase productivity, leading residents receiving better and quicker access to public services. The logistical challenge of merging multiple district authorities into these new authorities cannot, however, be overstated.
Government’s stated intent remains to end two-tier local government in England and replace it with new unitary arrangements. As such programme updates and guidance continue through a central stream of announcements and documentation. The outcome of LGR is already being rapidly shaped by the production of interim plans, consultations, and ‘shadow’ transition work (formal or informal) which are accelerating decision-making before all details are settled. Even where formal decisions are pending, sunk costs and path dependencies are already accumulating.
All of these questions are increasing the already significant pressure on senior local government leadership capacities and constantly changing central government decisions on election timings and governance continuity, makes early clarity unusually valuable. The government’s own justification for election delays emphasised freeing capacity to deliver reorganisation. The subsequent U-turn means the same system is now expected to deliver both intensified transition work and elections at pace.
This webinar will be a chance to discuss all of the above and address whether LGR can be delivered successfully with an audience made up of local government officers, academics and central government officials
Speakers
Rachel McKoy – Executive Director, The Association of Monitoring Officers
Graeme McDonald – Managing Director, SOLACE
Professor Colin Copus – Visiting Fellow, Localis
Martin George – Acting Editor, LGC