Webinar: When the Sun Goes Down: What problems is LGR trying to solve and what problems might it create?
On the 13th of May, from 11:00-12:00, we are hosting a webinar on the future of local government reorganisation entitled “When the sun goes down: What problems is LGR trying to solve and what problems might it create?”
The wave of local government reorganisation (LGR) heralded by the English Devolution Bill represents the most significant structural upheaval outside of central government since the 1970s. The creation of new unitary authorities is designed to increase productivity and streamline governance, to the desired end of providing residents with better quality public services. The logistical challenge of merging multiple district authorities into these new authorities cannot, however, be overstated.
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. The ‘design choices’ being made now will have massive consequences of local government down the line. As while governance and operational decisions may look technical, they become political. These choices include warding and representation, scrutiny and standards, committee structures, delegation, locality arrangements, senior officer responsibilities, and the integration of contracts, data, and systems. They are the ‘load-bearing beams’ of a new authority. Once set, they will constrain what is feasible for finance, services, and legitimacy for at least a generation.
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. This webinar will be a chance to discuss all of the above and address LGR can be delivered successfully with an audience made up of local government officers, academics and central government officials
Please join us for this webinar from 11:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday, 13th May.
Speakers
