Local Government Reorganisation

We bring clarity to complexity. Local government reorganisation is never simple, but with the right support it can be delivered smoothly and successfully.

Phase 0: Business Case

21 two-tier areas were invited to submit proposals for reorganising into unitary authorities in early 2025.

All areas submitted interim plans, with 7 having their reorganisation proposals fast-tracked. Councils in these areas are preparing final, detailed proposals for submission by November 28, 2025.

In this phase, we supported organisations in developing and agreeing on detailed proposals outlining the preferred reorganisation model. These proposals, described in Business Case form, demonstrate how the reorganisation will improve efficiency, service delivery and local accountability.

  • Objective setting and ambition
  • High-level service design
  • Financial modelling
  • Business case creation and development
  • Integration
  • Delivery plan

Recent projects

Phase 1: Mobilisation

In this phase, we can support your organisation with its post-LGR decision mobilisation. Key priorities to consider during mobilisation, where we can bring expertise and support, are:

  • Vision and ambition
  • Current activity review
  • Systems review
  • Assessment of MTFS opportunities
  • Financial strategy and modelling
  • Organisation design
  • Social care model of delivery
  • Strategic asset reviews

Recent projects

Phase 2: Design

In this phase, we focus on the design aspects needed to prepare for a successful transition as part of your LGR. Key priorities to consider during the design phases where we can help are:

  • Co-developing a blueprint for your operating model
  • Co-designing service area operating models
  • Change management
  • Asset strategy: approaches to management and rationalisation
  • Social care improvement and efficiency
  • Company reviews (of your locally owned trading companies (LATCs) or wholly owned operating companies (WOCs))
  • Data cleansing
  • Service and system integration plans

Recent projects

Phase 3: Delivery

In this phase, we will focus on the significant areas of transformation required to deliver the local government reorganisation you agreed upon at the design stage. Key priorities to consider during the design phases where we can help are:

  • Change management
  • Strategic implementation plan
  • Capability building and upskilling
  • Budget process harmonisation
  • Innovation (e.g. Place-Based Impact Investing)
  • Capital programme and governance reviews
  • Asset strategy: approaches to management and rationalisation
  • Social care staff and workforce

Recent projects

Phase 4: Stabilisation & Renewal

In the final phase, we will focus our support on ensuring the new authority not only operates safely, legally and effectively from day one, but also has the right foundations for long-term reform and improvement.

This phase is about embedding new ways of working, aligning systems and culture, and using the early months of operation to drive the next stage of transformation. The key priorities to consider during this phase to ensure successful ‘business-as-usual’ operations are:

  • Assets
  • Finance
  • People
  • Service Delivery Model
  • Strategy
  • Social Care
31ten provided structure, clarity and momentum; leading the development of the individual proposals, underpinned by shared datasets, aligned methodologies and a consistent framework for financial modelling and analysis. The process has been both challenging and immensely rewarding. 31ten created the space for open, challenging and constructive conversations. Their facilitation helped us build a clearer shared vision and strengthened our collective understanding of what our communities, residents and businesses need from local government in the years ahead.

Chris Sinnott, Chief Executive – Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council

Our partners

We work collaboratively with a range of trusted partner organisations to deliver the highest quality support to our clients. This includes specialist economic, community engagement and financial advisors. 

Our insights

LGR thumbnail
LGR: The Importance of keeping growth at its heart
As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) accelerates across England, councils face the challenge of delivering significant structural change while continuing to support economic growth and investment. But how can leaders ensure growth remains a priority when organisational transformation demands so much attention? First-hand insights of LGR Drawing on insights from a recent senior leaders' virtual roundtable...
Men and women sitting at desk smiling at a women standing up
Foundations for the Future: Leading through LGR
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is often discussed in structural terms; which councils merge, what the new boundaries look like, how services will be configured. But behind every reorganisation decision is a group of leaders facing the far more personal challenge of guiding their people through deep uncertainty, while managing their own. In this blog our...
31ten and Vestega: Building the Foundations of a New Unitary Authority
Foundations for the Future: The Power of Property Intelligence Tools
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...

If you’d like to discuss how 31ten can collaboratively support your organisation across any of the next phases of Local Government Reorganisation, then we’d love to hear from you.

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