DevComms is launching a series of regional webinars on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), described as the biggest shake-up in local government for a generation. The sessions will help developers, planners and consultants understand what the changes mean for their work.
Shadow elections are expected for many local authorities in 2027, ahead of new unitary authorities replacing existing district and borough councils across England, with abolition of existing two-tier local government arrangements planned for 2028.
The changes carry significant implications for development, planning and stakeholder engagement, and the sessions will cover proposed boundary changes, which councils are merging, the likely timetable and the political figures set to shape the new authorities.
Sessions, led by DevComms’ divisional heads, run across five regions:
- Midlands: 22 July, 13:00 to 14:00
- North: 23 July, 09:00 to 10:00
- South West: 23 July, 11:00 to 12:00
- East: 23 July, 12:30 to 13:30
- South East: 27 July, 13:00 to 14:00
Comments
Charles Bushe, managing director of DevComms – Southern Region, said: “We now have some clarity on the direction of travel for LGR across 14 areas of England, with decisions only outstanding in 2 areas.
“Alongside these significant changes in local government, Andy Burnham is expected to double down on devolution to new Strategic Authorities and we’re looking ahead to the introduction of new Spatial Development Strategies.
“It’s important that the property industry remains agile and responsive through the transition period over the next few years, whilst preparing for the new arrangements to take effect in 2028.
“We’ll be running regionally focussed webinars over the course of this week, hosted by our expert regional teams, which will explore what the changes mean for planning, politics and stakeholder engagement.”
Ticket availability
Tickets are free and available here.
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