Local planning considerations
Disaggregation should be avoided or minimised where possible, but where it cannot, the analysis suggests unitary authorities with populations in excess of 500,000 are those most likely to be able to reduce the risks of extreme demand variation, increased unit costs, and deterioration in service quality. Where disaggregation takes place, careful attention is required to maintaining appropriate scale, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and coordinating with wider public service reforms. Without proper mitigation of identified risks, reorganisation could significantly harm service quality, increase delivery costs, introduce additional operational complexity, and potential threats to the viability of newly created authorities. These risks must be considered within the context of the severe demand-led pressures facing people services, and the pressing need to preserve investment in preventative services to reduce existing challenges within the system. However, with appropriate planning and scale considerations, LGR offers the potential for transformational improvements in how local government serves its communities.
The report emphasises that successful reorganisation requires moving beyond establishing "safe and legal" services to achieve genuine transformation. Key areas include: Housing integration: Developing coordinated approaches to homelessness prevention and supported housing. Preventative services: Utilising enhanced data access to identify and support vulnerable residents proactively. Strategic asset utilisation: Optimising the use of combined property portfolios and community assets.
Partnership alignment: Ensuring coordination with health, police, and voluntary sector partners.
1.4 Conclusions
The report's findings indicate that decisions about unitary authority size and configuration will have profound, long-lasting impacts on the most vulnerable members of society who depend on people-based services. While LGR presents significant opportunities for improved service delivery and democratic accountability, this analysis reveals substantial risks if reorganisation results in excessive fragmentation of people-based services through disaggregation. The evidence analysed strongly suggests that maintaining larger-scale unitary authorities is essential to preserve service quality, control costs, and ensure financial sustainability.
13
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs