Executive summary

Driven by the dynamics of a new political cycle, we are on the edge of a major shift in the way we go about delivering local public services. The circumstances call for a reform agenda encompassing the positive hopes of devolution and community empowerment without shying away from the sombre realities of limited fiscal headroom and years of sluggish economic growth, even as public trust in politicians and their ability to deliver change is at an historic low.

This report draws on extensive research and conversations with local leadership from across the country in an attempt to present some of the key elements of a reform agenda aimed at whole place transformation. The aim is to contribute to the national conversation of where we are and what we need to achieve, at the local level, to improve our public services, revive the economic heart of our places and deliver for communities.

We do not attempt to produce a panacea of solutions to the challenges faced by local government, nor to encourage ‘moon shot’ ideas in a sector which is struggling to provide at a baseline service level in many parts of the country. Rather, this research has sought to produce pragmatic steps that can enable radical transformation, rooted in existing best practice among local authorities, as well as to provide recommendations for comprehensive central government reform, based on the lessons of recent decades.

Key points

Throughout the research for this report, engagement with leaders across local government unearthed an optimism about the possibility of radically improving the efficiency and efficacy of public services through adopting a ‘whole place’ approach.

A whole place approach entails focusing on:
• Empowering local leadership through long-term and sustainable financing.
• Embedding a preventative approach by investing to address problems
at source.
• Developing a collaborative culture for user-centred service provision.
• Practising community co-design with structured and sustained community engagement.

Taking this approach can deliver better service outcomes with a more user-centred focus on resident experience.

The report sets out six recommendations for local government, and five for central government. Download your copy now.