In large parts of England, local authorities are finalising plans for the biggest reorganisation of local government in 50 years. A new map for local government will emerge within months. Will this be the moment for transformation; to reinvigorate the local in local government centred on people and place? Or a missed opportunity as the lines on the map are tweaked to maximise political advantage or personal ambition?
I recently visited Norway, population 5.62 million, with multi-tier local government based on 11 counties and 356 municipalities, many with a population base of around 5,000. Yet municipalities deliver or commission a full range of services, including primary healthcare, social care, mental health services, welfare provision, and education up to the age of 16. Local government is supported in the integration of UN Sustainable Development Goals within its plans, championing climate action, place and community wellbeing.
