Local government leaders are clear on the objectives for reorganisation. At its heart is the ambition for councils rooted closely enough in their areas, yet with the scale and capability to modernise services and drive growth across the country. The question, then, is how these new authorities should come into being: through the consolidation of county and district functions within an existing authority or the creation of an entirely new ‘greenfield' authority.
There will be circumstances where establishing greenfield unitaries is the most effective path. Where existing structures cannot deliver, starting afresh may be the only way to achieve resilience and efficiency. And our sector has exceptional leaders with the vision and expertise to build these new authorities.
