Local government reorganisation (LGR) is a complex process, and the pre-implementation planning phase plays a pivotal role in ensuring councils are prepared for the journey ahead. This phase is not simply a holding pattern – it is a proactive, system-wide mobilisation effort that bridges the gap between proposal development and the formal transition phase.
At its heart, pre-implementation planning is about readiness. Speaking to those who have previously been through LGR the consistent message is that they wish they'd started earlier. Councils should use the time between submitting their case and the ‘minded to' decision from Government to compile and assess key datasets, evaluate data quality, and generate the insights that identify risks and opportunities, informing strategic decisions for the next phase and beyond.
At Newtrality we are supporting councils to do this, including through the development of dashboards and heatmaps to highlight alignment, opportunities and risks across core services. This insight is imperative for a successful vesting day regardless of which number or configuration of unitaries is taken forward.
The pre-implementation phase is a key opportunity for learning from others. We have access to a wide network of peers who have been through LGR and can provide valuable learning on what worked and what they would do differently.
Engagement within your council is equally important. A well-defined pre-implementation phase helps to maintain momentum beyond proposal submission, ensure activity is focused and proportionate for each stage and keeps officers and members focused on the long-term goal of effective and safe transition.
In summary, pre-implementation planning is a strategic imperative that enables councils to move confidently into the next phase of LGR. It fosters data-driven decision-making and enables you to focus on the core activities that will ensure a good outcome for vesting day and the transformation that follows. By investing time and attention now, councils lay the groundwork for a successful transition that is both technically robust and people-centred.
We recognise the time and focus that is currently on proposal development and the need to take a (well deserved!) break once they are submitted. However, learning from our experience in previous rounds of LGR we would urge you to begin thinking now about what comes next.
Do get in touch with our team for a conversation about how we can support you during pre-implementation planning and help you be ready for the challenges and opportunities LGR presents.
Claire Corbett is Delivery Director at Newtrality
