A new Institute for Government report sets out how central and local government can meet the triple challenge of complex local government reorganisation (LGR), extending devolution, and delivering local public services in the face of significant financial pressures.

Published today, Dual Delivery: How can areas successfully reorganise local government and implement devolution at the same time? draws on detailed research into past waves of LGR and devolution to recommend how local leaders – in the 21 county councils,164 district councils and 19 small neighbouring unitary authorities invited to submit plans for reorganisation – and central government can successfully meet Labour’s ‘dual delivery’ ambition.

With the scale and complexity of dual delivery meaning there is a risk that at least one of these programmes stalls – with potentially damaging implications for Keir Starmer’s ambitions, such as building 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliament – the IfG paper’s recommendations for local government include:

Articulating a clear, evidence-based vision for LGR and devolution to inform decision making

Developing a masterplan timetable for the dual delivery of LGR and devolution, and ensuring it is clearly communicated internally and externally.

Ensuring the public can shape and inform decisions on their future governance through focus groups and citizens’ assemblies.

The IfG report also says central government must support and monitor progress to ensure its overall ambitions are met, and recommends:

Ensuring the continued delivery of key public services – such as social care and homelessness support – by supporting local authorities in the short term.

Asking the National Audit Office to undertake a value-for-money study on the roll-out of reorganisation.

Clearly defining the amount and timing of, and any restrictions on, support funds for areas going through LGR.

The government has formally invited proposals from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Derbyshire and Derby; Devon, Plymouth and Torbay; East Sussex and Brighton; Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock; Gloucestershire; Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton; Hertfordshire; Kent and Medway; Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool; Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland; Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire; Norfolk; Nottinghamshire and Nottingham; Oxfordshire; Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent; Suffolk; Surrey; Warwickshire; West Sussex; and Worcestershire.

Report co-author Sarah Routley said:
"The government's ambitious LGR programme presents a chance to standardise, simplify and transform local government. But past experience has shown that LGR is complex and success is not guaranteed. Local leaders need to develop strong relationships to work towards clear visions for their areas."


Report co-author Matthew Fright said:
“The government has stressed LGR plans need to be developed alongside devolution proposals. Local leaders cannot underestimate the time and effort needed to establish new mayoralties. Devolution priority areas – those aiming to hold mayoral elections in May 2026 – must work at pace to get ready for the transfer of powers out of Whitehall.”

Phillip Woolley, Partner and Head of Public Sector Consulting at Grant Thornton UK LLP:
"The dual delivery of local government reorganisation and devolution is a once-in-a-generation chance to streamline governance, enhance services, and drive efficiency. Success depends on a clear vision, realistic and well-structured delivery plans, and a relentless focus on outcomes. However, both government and local leaders must not underestimate the time, effort, resources and collaboration required to get this right.”