The 2026 local elections will likely turn out to be significant for a number of reasons. Westminster psychodrama aside though, one area of immediate interest, for example, is what the increased number of councils under no overall control will mean for local plan-making. That is a topic to which Sam Stafford hopes the podcast will return in due course. Of similar immediate interest is the possible impact upon local government reorganisation (LGR), the whys and wherefores or the pros and cons of which might have been thought to be settled up until recent events. For now though it is to be assumed that, despite perhaps some spanners being thrown into some works, LGR remains the direction of travel for the foreseeable future at least. What has to be happening right now to make it a success? What lessons can be learnt from the most recent round of unitisation? How will reorganisation affect decision-making in the authorities about to be abolished? And how does planning get a place at the top table in the authorities that will replace them?

These are the themes that were explored in a conversation recorded online in March 2026 between old friends of the podcast Catriona Riddell (who chaired the discussion), Jonathan Werran, Claire Tester and Jane Meek, and new friend of the podcast James Hood.

Catriona is a Director at Catriona Riddell & Associates; Jonathan is the Chief Executive of Localis; Claire is Head of Strategic Planning at the South Downs National Park Authority; Jane founded Frontier Planning; and James is a Director at the Local Councils Network.

Some accompanying reading.

Local government reorganisation: Policy and programme updates

Ride the Wave - Balancing investment risk and opportunity to guide urban renewal

Everything in its right place - Establishing strong organisations and practices for successful devolution

Connected Devolution - Digital systems for successful reorganisation

Managing the impact and maximising the potential for planning and place-making services

Cheers to William Marsden: The Mancunian who Invented the Weekend!

Some accompanying viewing.

Labour of Love II - Devolution, strategic planning and local government reorganisation

Some accompanying listening.

Going for Growth: Can We Make Britain Wealthy Again? (Matt Clifford)

Orange Juice – Rit It Up

Any other business.

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Sam is grateful to Richborough, Town Legal and Tyler Grange for supporting the podcast; to Vistry for sponsoring the 50 Shades mugs; and Adrian Meehan for recording and editing this episode.