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 shape of LGR may change, the challenges discussed in this article remain important. The uncertainty created by this announcement increases the value of bringing councils together to share learning and discuss the road ahead. SLC’s LGR Network will therefore continue, with an early focus on exploring what this latest development means for local authorities and their active wellbeing services.

LGR article 3 – Opportunities and challenges 

SLC’s Dom Hudson, Principal Consultant, has written this report as the latest instalment in a series on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), following on from two earlier articles:

The report explores how LGR can be used as a catalyst to embed active wellbeing at the heart of new unitary authorities – but only if transformation is strategic, evidence-led and grounded in local need.

The report focuses on four essential areas for early progress:

1.        The role of shadow authorities in evaluating inherited services, designing future service models, and planning for effective transformation. This includes addressing practical integration challenges around IT systems, energy management, supply chains, HR, and back-office functions, irrespective of the delivery model (be it in-house, outsourced, or through arm’s length bodies)

2.        How prevention and proportionate universalism can be embedded into a new active wellbeing service to maximise impact and long-term outcomes

3.        Drawing on lessons from recent reorganisations, we look at how legacy arrangements can be brought together into a coherent and effective single service model

4.        Finally, for authorities inheriting a mixed economy of provision, fragmented delivery, and legacy contracts, we explore how a phased approach to assimilation can help align these services with a new active wellbeing strategy.

As the report states, LGR is a rare opportunity to lay strong foundations for a service that is fair, effective and resilient over time.

If you would like a copy of the report or wish to discuss how to embed active wellbeing in your new unitary authority, SLC are here to help. Please contact us at info@slc.uk.com.