Title

REORGANISATION

Now back to the real world

Chris Tambini takes a fantastical look at what he thinks a rational secretary of state could do - if unrestricted by the real world and pressure groups - to improve the current fragile position of local government.

Local government is in a fragile state and, even though the Autumn Statement was better than expected, we are in for a tough time. How do we get out of this position?

I am going to try to answer, based on what I think a rational secretary of state could do, unencumbered by politics and pressure groups, but accepting there is no money. I know it is a fantasy!

Starting with local government reorganisation – not just creating unitaries, but also looking at the amalgamation of unitaries that are too small. I would even go further and look to join up the fragmented state, be that education or social care. The role and responsibilities of local and central Government also need a proper overhaul. We have looked at all this before with the Total Place initiative. What struck me about it was the Audit Commission finding that every time money moves through an organisation, 20% is lost to bureaucracy. There is a lot of money to be saved.

The second strand is funding reform. I would go further than the essential need for fair funding and widen the local government tax base into other sources, including tourist tax. Land value uplift from planning gain should be shared between public and private, with infrastructure getting its fair allocation. There would be greater freedom over both council tax and business rates, including reliefs, discounts and even bandings.

Funding reform and reorganisation would mean true devolution, but let's not add the expense and complexity of another tier of local government. Let's keep it simple with one leader for each local area.

For good measure I would ensure every civil servant spends six months with a local authority – preferably in frontline services (and vice versa for senior local government officers) with the aim of helping ensure policy works. Now back to the real world.

Chris Tambini is director of corporate resources at Leicestershire CC and president of the Society of County Treasurers

@LeicsCountyHall

REORGANISATION

Time to step up the pace

By Heather Jameson | 08 October 2025

Heather Jameson canvasses sector experts’ views on the New Towns Taskforce report, and finds a high level of support for a document that ‘doesn’t pull its pu...

REORGANISATION

Delivering on the growth imperative

By Heather Jameson | 08 October 2025

Chair of the New Towns Taskforce Sir Michael Lyons tells Heather Jameson that while he is positive about the dual challenge of housebuilding and economic gro...

REORGANISATION

Growing London benefits everyone

By Antonia Jennings | 07 October 2025

London must not be ignored as the Government focuses on spreading devolution across England – for the good of the whole country, writes Antonia Jennings.

REORGANISATION

Modern city governance –New York style

By Professor Bruce Katz | 07 October 2025

Bruce Katz sets out four key lessons London and other cities can draw on from New York’s progression as a global success story since its birth, based on mark...

Popular articles by Chris Tambini