Rethinking local government: five priorities for sustainable change

As councils across England respond to the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper (December 2024), the scale of structural and operational change ahead is becoming clear. Local government reorganisation (LGR) is no longer a distant possibility, it’s happening now.

At Perago, we’ve been part of this journey before. We’ve been at the centre of change programmes across local and central government for years now, working with leaders, service owners, politicians and communities to design sustainable change. And we know that success doesn’t come from chasing efficiency alone, it comes from rethinking how local government works from the ground up.

Learning from practice 

Recently, I joined two webinars hosted by UKAuthority. The first showcased our work with Caerphilly County Borough Council, where we supported a bold rethink of local government service delivery, which helped save £20 million in just two years.

The second explored the people, skills, and capability challenges facing English councils as they navigate reorganisation.

Two different lenses, but the same conclusion: transformation is possible, but only with the right focus.

Five priorities for Local Government Reorganisation

Based on our experience, reorganisation alone isn’t the answer – transformation is.

Here are 5 ways we support councils transform successfully.

1. Anchor change in a shared vision

Transformation starts with purpose. Councils need a clear, compelling narrative that explains why change is necessary. This vision should resonate with elected members, officers and residents, guiding decisions and actions throughout the reform journey.

At Perago, we co-create these visions with councils ensuring they’re not just understood but owned across the organisation. To support this, we embed communications capability at the heart of transformation programmes.

2. Take a whole-system perspective

Whether merging councils or restructuring a single authority, success depends on understanding the whole system. Our approach involves breaking down silos, integrating teams and designing services around the real-life journeys of residents.

Our User-centred service design approach helps councils deliver better outcomes across boundaries – not just more efficient services, but more responsive ones too.

3. Use technology wisely

Digital transformation isn’t about buying new platforms and expecting things to be different. It’s about being clear about the role we need the technology to play and aligning technology with service goals. Councils should start by reviewing existing tools and associated commercials, identifying integration opportunities, and making smart, sustainable choices grounded in user needs.

Even modest upgrades can deliver big results when implemented thoughtfully.

4. Invest in people and capacity

People are at the heart of transformation. Councils must build internal capability through training, inclusive change processes, and strong leadership. Agile governance structures that empower decision-making can also help maintain momentum and buy in.

We work alongside in-house teams to share skills and build confidence so that change is achievable and sustainable.

5. Collaborate and align

Collaboration is essential. By working with partner agencies, neighbouring authorities, and national bodies, councils can pool resources, share good practice, and align on shared priorities like digital infrastructure and economic development.

With the right relationships and frameworks, collaboration becomes not just possible, but a powerful transformation and delivery tool.

No pause button

One of the biggest challenges of LGR is that transformation must happen while councils continue to deliver core services. There’s no pause button. Before change can begin, councils must navigate complex technical, commercial, and people landscapes.

But this is also a moment of opportunity, a chance to shape the future rather than be shaped by it.

Getting Started

We’re already working with local authorities at different points on their LGR journey—supporting operating models, engagement, communications and change. We bring structure, pace and honest challenge—without slowing anyone down.

Here’s just a couple of ways you can engage us to help you take the first steps. It doesn’t need to be about big, long-term commitments, just focused, practical support:

• Host an informal insight session for senior leadership, sharing what worked in Caerphilly and framing your early LGR options.
• Co-design a discovery sprint to test assumptions and uncover hidden needs.
• Provide a pragmatic options pack with year-one quick wins, long-term roadmap thinking, and alignment guidance.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, we’d love to talk. Let’s shape the future of local government together.