Jamie Lord’s Post

Plans are underway for a major redesign of local government in England, aiming to streamline services and enhance collaboration. District councils could be abolished in favour of unitary councils, creating a simpler structure and streamlined service, enabling elected mayors to take on expanded powers over planning, infrastructure, and public transport. The plans are part of a broader push toward devolution, seen as key to driving growth, building new homes, and improving public services. This shake-up could be the largest reform since the 1970s, redefining how local governance works in practice. The proposed redesign of local government in England could streamline governance, reduce costs, and improve strategic planning, but at the cost of a reduced local representation, service disruption, and loss of jobs. #LocalAuthorities #DistrictCouncils #Devolution https://lnkd.in/eDjHfqeK

📢 Protecting North Hampshire’s Identity and Economic Future 🌳🏗️ As local government changes are proposed, it’s more important than ever to ensure North Hampshire’s unique identity and economic strengths are not overshadowed by being grouped with coastal areas. Our communities in North Hampshire thrive on their distinctive rural character, vibrant market towns, high-tech industries, and strong transport links to London. These factors have shaped a local economy and culture that is fundamentally different from the needs and priorities of Hampshire’s coastal areas. While collaboration across regions is important, we must ensure decisions reflect our specific challenges and opportunities, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s stand together to protect North Hampshire’s voice, values, and vision for the future! #NorthHampshireMatters #EconomicIdentity #LocalRepresentation #localgov #localgovernment #EconomicDevelopment #localgovernmentreorganisation #Hampshire #Basingstoke https://lnkd.in/epfrYZfa

Interesting developments taking place in England with regards to local authorities/councils. It feels like this conversation is long overdue in Scotland with the 32 councils we have and how we best serve communities, the public sector and private sector. In my own region in Central Scotland, there are three Councils all within approx 15-20 miles of each other and whilst there will be some differing needs/requirements, it is certainly time to look at greater efficiencies, consistency and frankly savings. https://lnkd.in/eKpBte5A

Financial crisis for UK councils:   A new report highlights the financial struggles facing councils across the UK, with some on the brink of declaring effective bankruptcy. From rising service demands to inflationary pressures, the challenges have left many local authorities forced to rethink how they operate.   As partners to the public sector, we know that innovation and collaboration will be key to building resilience during these challenging times   How can councils and their partners navigate these challenges while safeguarding the services that communities depend on?   💭 I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! #localcouncils #localauthority #publicsector https://lnkd.in/e6XBUSqn

Interesting reading about the proposed changes to planning but I also noted that Torbay is listed as having a devolution deal lined up which will no doubt include an elected mayor. It wasn't that long ago that the people of Torbay voted to abolish their elected mayor. I voted to retain a mayor, and under the new proposals I think a mayor elected on a development mandate with additional powers over planning may be what Torbay finally needs to lift it up. Whilst there is a clear development emphasis from the current administration there will no doubt be some roadblocks at planning which an elected mayor may be able to overcome.

Major reforms to local government have been announced, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner setting out plans to establish elected mayors across every region in England. The proposals aim to shift decision-making away from Westminster, giving regional mayors expanded control over housing, transport, education and employment. This marks a significant move towards local autonomy, with devolution becoming the standard approach rather than requiring central government approval. The government's vision includes merging district and county councils to create more unified local authorities. While this has sparked debate about the balance between efficiency and local representation, the goal is clear: driving economic growth through strengthened regional leadership. These changes could reshape how local services are delivered across England, with the first wave of new mayoral elections planned for May 2026. What are your thoughts on regional mayors? Would your area benefit from more localised control? https://lnkd.in/eFYCcZkY

The upcoming paper from the government outlines ambitious plans to reshape local governance by potentially abolishing district councils and introducing more elected mayors across England. This proposal aims to streamline local services by merging smaller district councils with larger county councils, making governance more efficient. The push towards unitary councils could simplify the complex patchwork of authority structures, making it easier to manage local services. Elected metro mayors would gain additional powers over planning and infrastructure, which is seen as a way to accelerate housing development and improve public transport. The District Councils' Network has voiced concerns that this reorganisation could lead to "mega councils," potentially undermining local decision-making and causing disruption in service delivery. Streamlining local governance may lead to more effective service delivery, cost savings, and a clearer framework for decision-making. It could attract investment and drive economic growth through empowered local leadership.    However, the risk of losing localised decision-making could alienate communities, as larger councils may not be as in tune with local needs. There’s also concern about the potential upheaval during the transition period, which could distract from essential services. As these plans unfold, it will be crucial for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that local voices are heard and that any changes promote true devolution rather than centralisation.

When a council requires intervention from a Crown Observer, it signals a deeper need for reform in New Zealand's local governance. The recent appointment of a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council points to structural flaws that are not unique to the capital. Many councils face a governance model where mayors lack the authority to drive decisive change, while unelected CEOs hold substantial administrative power. This division of power creates conditions for dysfunction, unclear accountability, and policies affected by conflicting priorities. Internationally, there are effective alternatives. In Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, mayors were given more executive authority, improving efficiency and accountability. Auckland’s Super City shows that a similar approach here could enhance decision-making and financial management, with mayors having a clearer mandate to lead. This is a critical opportunity to address the root causes of local government challenges. While short-term interventions may resolve immediate issues, long-term improvement calls for a more substantial change in how our councils operate. What changes do you think could help councils make better decisions for our communities? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gW2mZcJB

Essex Devolution - 15 Councils down to 5? Basildon endorses a move towards devolution, but has its terms - including local government reorganisation. Under its proposals it recommends the "mess" of the existing two-tier system be re-organised before further "layers of bureaucracy" are added. In its own view, the current Greater Essex Deal proposed by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock would instead fund under-performing services, delay housing projects, and focus growth efforts of North Essex. Basildon's preferred option seeks the establishing of 5 unitary authorities and a Greater Essex Combined Authority (GECA) which "ensures equitable resource distribution and focused regional governance". The preferred timeline indicates "draft of full local government reorganisation and devolution proposal" in January 2025 to be agreed / signed by the end of 2025 and the devolution deal signed in April 2026. https://lnkd.in/eHQ4Un26

This proposal is a long-overdue and much-needed reform to streamline local government in England. The current two-tier system of district and county councils is an outdated, inefficient model that often duplicates roles and responsibilities, wasting resources that could be better spent on frontline services. In the private sector, when companies are merged or acquired, one of the first steps is to consolidate leadership and remove unnecessary layers of management. It’s common sense: there’s no need for three CEOs or duplicate administrative structures. The same logic should apply to local government. Merging councils and introducing more elected mayors will not only reduce bureaucracy but also create clearer accountability and better governance for local communities. By simplifying the structure, we can free up funds for vital public services, reduce confusion for residents navigating multiple layers of authority, and empower leaders who are directly accountable to the electorate. It’s incredible that this hasn’t been addressed sooner—this change is a win for efficiency, transparency, and better service delivery. Let’s hope these plans gain the momentum and support they deserve to bring about meaningful improvement in how local government operates.