Our expertise

A new policy for fairness The Government’s reintroduction of a 10‑year rent convergence mechanism marks a significant moment for councils with social rent stock. While convergence policy has existed previously, the new framework creates refreshed opportunity and complex decisions for social landlords. The new policy aims to ensure fairness in the rents charged; at present...

Recent coverage in The Guardian highlights a trend local authorities and colleges have been quietly managing for several years: falling birth rates are now translating into surplus school places. In London, this is particularly acute. Rolls are declining, funding is tightening, and yet the cost of maintaining under-occupied buildings remains stubbornly high.  This is not a short-term fluctuation. Over the past 12 months,...

As councils prepare for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), attention is increasingly shifting from organisational structures to the practical foundations of the new authorities being created. Crucially this includes the combined public estate - a diverse mix of assets spanning — operational estate (offices, depots, schools), community assets, income-generating assets, infrastructure and specialist facilities such as waste, transport and crematoria.  Land and buildings are...

In 2022, reports of misogyny, racism, and bullying within UK Fire and Rescue Services reached national headlines following the Independent Cultural Review of the London Fire Brigade.  Although the review focused specifically on the London Fire Brigade, its findings resonated across the entire sector. The high-profile coverage prompted Fire and Rescue Services throughout the UK...

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) presents a rare and time-bound opportunity: a chance to reset, to clarify, and to hand over to new unitaries not a legacy of ambiguity, but a platform for confident delivery. This is a golden opportunity for councils to lay the groundwork for long-term success, even before final decisions on area footprints are confirmed.  Rationalise, Reset and...

LGR offers once-in-a-generation digital opportunities, but tackling the risks is crucial Local government reorganisation is often framed in structural terms. Which councils combine, which boundaries change, who leads the new authorities, what the constitution looks like. All important. But if you want new organisations to feel coherent to residents and staff, the conversation quickly becomes...

Following the recent SEND White Paper publication, 31ten is delighted to announce a new partnership with Mime, bringing together our combined expertise to support local authorities, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), and schools as they prepare for and then implement the SEND reforms. The upcoming reforms represent a major opportunity to strengthen local SEND systems, improve outcomes...

Once the dust has settled, it will be essential to plan for regular progress reviews to ensure success. How are former LEP functions delivering against the local vision agreed in planning for integration? 

One of the most insightful outcomes from our Future of Finance interview series has been the advice the finance directors we interviewed imparted for those considering or at an early stage in their Public Finance career.  Our conversations with s151s and their deputies have been honest, thought-provoking, and while concerning issues have come up time…

Over the past 12 months, the 31ten team have had the privilege of speaking with some of the most inspiring finance leaders working in local government today. Through our Future of Finance interview series, we’ve listened carefully as Section 151 officers, their deputies, and finance directors shared their experiences, their challenges, and — perhaps most…