Member-exclusive analysis of the final wave of LGR proposals (from non-DPP areas) compares key features of each proposal and examines what happens next in the process and lessons for preparing for ministerial decisions.

Our member-exclusive research dissects the final reorganisation proposals emerging from the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) and answers key questions on council size, councillor numbers, costs, savings, debt and more.

Using case studies from previous shadow authorities, this member-only briefing explores the four phases that a shadow authority goes through before it dissolves and the new unitary is officially formed.

We have produced a timeline charting the key dates and milestones on the LGR journey between now and spring 2028.

This member-exclusive 🔒 briefing tackles the key announcements in the July Bill.

This member-exclusive 🔒 briefing explores how Area Committees have been adopted by existing unitary councils, examines their functions, and highlights where they’ve been used effectively.

This guide from our strategic partner Browne Jacobson offers a clear and concise overview of the current state of devolution and local government reorganisation, and what lies ahead.

Exclusive for LGIU members 🔒, this resource provides a toolkit for interpreting and responding to local government reorganisation, encouraging public service reform that goes beyond financial modelling and population size.

This research – supported by Local Partnerships – seeks to understand how local and strategic authorities can be supported and enabled to work effectively together in the post-LGR world.

This research – supported by Norse Group – uses insights from over 60 reorganising councils to ascertain how local government reorganisation is influencing councils’ service delivery models.

LGIU Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West speaks with Sam Plum, chief executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, about her career and what it takes to transform local government.

This analysis of English devolution’s realities reveals a fundamental disconnect between policy ambitions and institutional capacity.

This member-exclusive 🔒 analysis of the interim reorganisation proposals uncovers trends on the size of proposed new unitaries, the cost implications, and best practices in LGR approaches.

This new research from LGIU’s Dr Andrew Walker surveys the approach to devolution that has been pursued in England over the past decade.

This interview with Rachel Joyce draws on her experience in North Yorkshire’s unitarisation, highlighting the benefits and challenges of local government reorganisation.

Adur & Worthing Councils share their Thriving Together programme – a bold, participatory approach to shaping the area’s future during reorganisation.

In this polling and analysis, LGIU worked with Ipsos to understand how residents in DPP areas view local government reform.

This explainer reviews the recent operation of shadow authorities in English local government, helping members navigate the upcoming ambiguity and transformation opportunities.

This think piece considers recent major UK government policy announcements in 2025 to examine their wholesale impacts.

Anthony Roche, Chief Executive of North Hertfordshire District Council, reflects on the opportunities and challenges of local government reorganisation and how data can be embedded in the creation of new authorities.

This member-exclusive 🔒 briefing identifies success factors, pitfalls and issues arising from local authority mergers in Japan, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Australia.

Local government has long told a story of unsustainable finances, but this crisis narrative has not prompted the desired response from central government – it may be time for a new approach.

LGIU Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West, writing in the LGC, argues against a narrow focus on the size of new unitary councils and explores the broader opportunities presented by LGR.

This member-exclusive 🔒 think piece proposes a ‘systems approach’ to local government reorganisation, arguing against top-down mandates and advocating for understanding local needs and demand first.

This member-exclusive 🔒 briefing considers the implications of English local government reorganisation for place-shaping and community planning and explores how new authorities can ensure strong community engagement and connection with the hyperlocal level.

Jamie Slagel, Change and Improvement Project Manager at Brent Council, calls for a new paradigm for devolution –  a deeper, more radical vision.

Perceptions of time in politics can be deceptive, and recent months of English devolution and local government reorganisation may have left observers feeling disoriented, writes Majeed Neky Assistant Director, Economy at West London Alliance.

As England moves towards a universal tier of unitary authorities, the principle of ‘democracy within walking distance’ is more important than ever. The Society of Local Council Clerks champions this idea as key to effective local governance, and this blog explores its potential to transform communities.

LGIU’s Jonathan Carr-West writes in his latest column for the MJ that “discussions around reorganisation must go beyond merely redrawing boundaries to avoid dashing growing optimism for the sector’s financial recovery”.

Local authorities often approach us for bespoke, in-house training for their councillors or officers. These sessions directly respond to councils’ needs, equipping attendees in practical, applicable ways.

To discuss any aspect of our in-house training and how we can meet your requirements, contact LGIU’s Training Coordinator, Barry O’Brien.

Across the country, we are already supporting dozens of councils with informal and custom facilitation as part of their council’s membership. Contact our membership manager thomas.lynch@lgiu.org to arrange an LGIU facilitation session to discuss your council’s response to local government reorganisation.

This session digested developments relating to devolution and local government reorganisation, with practical insights for local authorities from Laura Hughes, Partner at Browne Jacobson.

Your resource pack and watch again link (exclusively for LGIU members) is included below.

Local government faces the combined challenges of  growing demand for services and the impact of local government reorganisation and devolution in England. This session covered what helps your own wellbeing and introduced some useful tools that you can put into practice.

This resource pack includes helpful links and wider materials to support the sector.