New Network Launches to Support Councils Through Local Government Reorganisation
September 2026 update
Following publication of this article, the Government announced a review of its plans for Local Government Reorganisation. We are currently assessing the implications of this announcement for local authorities and the wider sector.
While the future direction and shape of LGR may evolve, the uncertainty created by this announcement only increases the value of bringing councils together to share learning, discuss emerging challenges, and consider the road ahead. The LGR Network will therefore continue, with an initial focus on exploring what these latest developments mean for local authorities and their active wellbeing services.
Bringing together Council officers and portfolio holders to shape the future of sport, leisure, culture and active wellbeing
As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) gathers pace across England, councils are facing some of the most significant structural changes seen in a generation. While discussions often focus on governance, finance and service integration, there is an equally important question to address: how can sport, leisure, culture and active wellbeing remain at the heart of future unitary authorities?
To help answer that question, SLC is launching the LGR Network – a new virtual forum designed specifically for council officers and portfolio holders leading and supporting sport, leisure, cultural services, active wellbeing and wider place-based transformation programmes.
The network is supported New Local, an independent think tank and council network that champions community-powered approaches to public service reform. Their research, networks and practical work with councils provides members with access to a wider network of local authorities, cutting-edge research, thought leadership and practical learning. This can help shape successful, community-focused approaches to Local Government Reorganisation.
The network will provide a trusted environment for officers and portfolio holders to share experiences, explore emerging challenges and opportunities, and learn from peers navigating similar change programmes.
Since launching the LGR network, there has been an exceptional response with over 60 councils registered, highlighting the importance and relevance of this work.
In response to the exceptional levels of interest, we have added a third session:
Thursday 24 September 2026, from 10am-12pm
This approach will help create a balanced mix of participants and perspectives across the network, while keeping group sizes at an optimal level for discussion and collaboration.
A timely conversation
Local Government Reorganisation presents both complexity and opportunity. As councils prepare for new unitary structures, there is growing recognition that services supporting active communities, wellbeing and culture must have a voice in shaping the future.
Through its recent LGR Think Tanks and ongoing engagement with councils, SLC has seen increasing demand for more regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and exchange insight. The LGR Network has been established in response to that need.
Facilitated by Kate Mulrey, Dom Hudson and Duncan Wood-Allum, the network will provide a structured but informal round-table format, enabling participants to discuss real-world challenges and learn from one another in a confidential setting operating under Chatham House rules.
What the network will explore
The first session will focus on understanding where councils currently sit within their LGR programmes and identifying the priorities that matter most to participants.
Discussion is expected to include:
- The implications of LGR for sport, leisure, culture and active wellbeing services
- Early lessons emerging from councils already progressing through reorganisation
- Governance, delivery model and partnership considerations
- Insights from SLC’s sector engagement and recent Think Tank activity
- Opportunities for collaboration across authorities and regions
Future sessions will be shaped by members themselves, ensuring the network remains responsive to the evolving challenges facing councils throughout the transition period.
Building a community of practice
The network has been designed to do more than share information. Its ambition is to create a lasting community of practice that supports officers and portfolio holders through a period of unprecedented change.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Connect with peers from councils across the country
- Share challenges and practical solutions in a supportive environment
- Access emerging sector insight and best practice
- Contribute to a growing knowledge base around LGR
- Build relationships that extend beyond individual meetings
Initially, SLC intends to convene the network monthly over a three-month period, with future activity shaped by member demand. This may include additional thematic, sub-regional or in-person sessions aligned to emerging shadow authorities.
SLC will also work closely with partner organisations and existing sector forums, including the CLOA, the Local Government Association and Sport England, helping to ensure learning and intelligence are shared across the wider sector.
The Network will operate in accordance with a Terms of Reference that sets out its purpose, principles and member expectations.
The LGR Network’s Terms of Reference
Supporting councils through change
For more than 17 years, SLC has supported local government and public sector organisations through strategic change, partnership development and service transformation.
The organisation has facilitated more than 50 Think Tanks and continues to work closely with councils navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by Local Government Reorganisation. Recent LGR-focused events, including a case study presentation from North Yorkshire Council, attracted strong interest from councils across England and highlighted the growing appetite for collaborative learning.
Learn about SLC’s experience in LGR
New Local
New Local is an independent think tank and network with a mission to transform public services and unlock community power.
Community power is central to New Local’s approach, placing people and communities at the heart of decision-making and service design.
This focus is particularly relevant in the context of Local Government Reorganisation, where councils have an opportunity to rethink how services are designed, delivered and shaped around the needs of communities.
New Local’s research, networks and practical work with councils provides members with access to a wider network of local authorities, cutting-edge research, thought leadership and practical learning. This can help shape successful, community-focused approaches to Local Government Reorganisation.
As the pace of reorganisation accelerates, SLC believes strong peer networks and open dialogue will be essential to ensuring active wellbeing remains a strategic priority within future local government structures.
The LGR Network offers a valuable opportunity for officers and portfolio holders to come together, share insight and help shape the future of the sector during a period of significant change.
The LGR Network meeting will take place on Thursday 24 September 2026, from 10am-12pm. Places are limited to ensure high-quality discussion and participation.
Want to join the network but can’t attend the first session? No problem – contact us to receive future session invites.