By Bernie Lally, Principal Consultant, 31ten

Yesterday’s statement by Jim McMahon, MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, confirms that local government reorganisation will continue. It sets out provisional decisions for five areas, with outcomes for the remaining areas expected from Christmas onwards.

For many councils it brings some welcome clarity on timescales and funding, but for others it means further uncertainty while their proposals are reassessed.

In this article, Bernie Lally, Principal Consultant at 31ten, shares her view on what the announcement means for councils and what action they can take now.

Recognising the work done so far

At 31ten, we recognise that this will be disappointing for many, particularly in areas where proposals will now be reassessed or have not been taken forward. We also recognise the considerable time, energy and commitment that leaders, officers and partners have put into developing those plans.

It’s our view that this work has not been in vain. It still sets a clear vision for each area. Lots of effort has gone into local visions, priorities and evidence, and the ambitions remain. They can be delivered through collaboration and devolution, and they will continue to shape how services are designed and delivered, whatever the final structure.

Making the most of the time ahead

With vesting day set for April 2029 across all 20 areas in the review, councils now have a valuable window to prepare well. For the five areas with provisional decisions, that means planning for a known structure; for those still awaiting an outcome, it means using the time to get ready for whichever option is confirmed.

Whatever the final outcome in each area, there is ‘no regrets’ activity that can start now: reviewing assets, developing delivery-ready projects, and rationalising contracts and systems. Every step taken now reduces risk and cost later, eases transition and builds early momentum for the new councils. The guaranteed transition funding means councils can get on with this work with confidence.

How 31ten can help

At 31ten, we work alongside councils to turn plans into practical delivery. We can help you:

• focus on ‘no regrets’ activity while your area awaits a decision, such as reviewing assets, developing delivery-ready projects and rationalising contracts and systems
• refresh and strengthen your case for change ahead of the representations period and the next phase of the review
• shape new arrangements around local needs, including business cases, programme delivery and disaggregation planning
• bring together contracts, systems and services, and progress strategic asset, procurement and digital programmes
• keep teams, partners and stakeholders aligned through the transition

The work councils have done on reorganisation to date has not been wasted – it is the foundation for what comes next. We look forward to supporting councils, their staff and their communities to make reorganisation a success.