Reimagining the Local State conference

The transformation of the local state has reached a tipping point. The coming years will determine whether we have already reached the high water mark for devolution and reform, or whether we are now only laying the foundations for a new and genuine localism.    

Newly devolved powers and growing regional autonomy; streamlined funding and the spread of regional authorities; both main political parties making the case for ambitious reform and decentralisation. The innovative work of some councils – including community mobilisation and the direct participation of service users in public policy design – is gaining traction.  

However, local government is also beset by challenges, and it remains to be seen whether they will stall the momentum for reform. A financial crisis is playing out across parts of a sector that has now faced more than a decade of belt-tightening. Demand on local public services is rocketing. England’s central government is still more dominant than in any other comparable country.  

Reform was delighted to host this flagship full-day conference exploring the future of the local government sector in a time of radical change. 

Keynote address:

• Tracy Brabin, Mayor, West Yorkshire

In conversation:

• Oliver Coppard, Mayor, South Yorkshire
• Kate Josephs CB, Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council

Panel 1 - Modern municipalism: transforming city government

The new localism is emerging at a time of unprecedented demands upon local authorities - nowhere more than in England's cities. Preventative practices, close collaboration with communities, and innovative problem-solving will all necessarily play a role in a reimagined local state. A new era of devolution will also require greater capacity and intelligent new approaches from council workforces.

Across England, local government is experimenting with new ways of doing things: transcending local political difference, coproducing outcomes with communities, and making the most of the strategic capabilities of Combined Authorities.   

This panel explored the many elements of a modern, innovative municipalism. 

Panellists:

• Sarah Calkin, Editor, Local Government Chronicle
• Kersten England CBE, Chair, The Young Foundation & Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
• Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader, Sheffield City Council
• Jo Johnston, Head of Reform & Innovation, Manchester City Council

Panel 2 - Beyond bureaucracy: achieving future-proof local government

Achieving a new localism will mean overcoming unprecedented challenges within the local government sector. Financial pressures and growing service demand are putting overstretched council workforces and ageing systems under serious strain. A new era of devolution would mean even more burdens as fresh powers and accountabilities are drawn down to local and regional scales.

In this context, reform will be essential, in particular of the functions through which local authorities manage their most important resources: their people and their money. Even the largest local authorities often lack sufficiently up-to-date, robust and capable HR and finance systems, and there are numerous examples of the challenges encountered when trying to modernise these. Modernisation offers the chance to empower councils and reduce bureaucracy in corporate functions. AI tools can improve efficiency and accuracy, leading to better, more fulfilling work. 

This panel explored how to empower and inspire a skilled local government workforce, how to harness modern technologies, and how to meet citizens’ expectations for sustainable and high-quality services.

Panellists:

• James Johns, Head of Corporate Affairs, Workday
• Alison McKenzie-Folan, Chief Executive, Wigan Council
• Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive, Hertfordshire County Council
• Carol Williams, Director, Transformation & Digital Walsall Council, & President, Socitm

This conference was kindly supported by Sheffield City Council and Workday.