Policy area: Local government

Reports

Where people meet

This report from UK think tank New Local looks at how we can celebrate, sustain and reimagine community centres. Community centres are a core and enduring part of the UK’s social infrastructure. They are hubs of social connection, stewards of health and wellbeing, vital partners in their local ecosystems and important physical assets that communities...

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#BeeWell: the state of young people’s mental health in England

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation examines the state of young people’s mental health in England. This briefing looks at case studies from the young people's charity #BeeWell in schools in Greater Manchester and Hampshire, showing further the importance of prioritising the wellbeing of students in our education system. Adolescent wellbeing...

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Local, actually: establishing hyperlocal governance in England

This report from UK think tank Reform sets out policy ideas for a new kind of hyperlocal governance: a universal, capable, and empowered tier of Neighbourhood Councils. A wave of local government reorganisation and regional devolution is sweeping across England, fundamentally changing the face of the local State. And as this happens, the gap at...

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Subnational diplomacy between the UK and China

This report from UK think tank RUSI profiles the direct engagement of UK local authorities with Chinese diplomats and local governments. There is substantial value to establishing a UK-wide framework that enables more effective local authority engagement with China. This paper profiles the direct engagement of UK local authorities with Chinese diplomats and local governments....

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Generating hope

This report from UK think tank Localis looks at how the Local Power Plan can build on best practice and overcome local barriers to drive energy decarbonisation. Elected on a platform with strong emphasis on energy security and decarbonisation, the UK Government has set a goal of ‘clean power’ by 2030 and established Great British...

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Designing a neighbourhood health service

This report from UK think tank Reform identifies examples of best practice from across the UK that should inform the Government’s approach. The Government have been clear on the need to shift care decisively out of hospitals and into communities, facilitated by the creation of a new NHS – what they call a Neighbourhood Health...

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Geographical inequalities and sub-national funding in France

This report from UK think tank City-REDI examines how funding mechanisms can be used to better address spatial inequalities. The aim of this review is to draw out lessons for England, and the UK more broadly, in terms of how funding mechanisms can be used to better address spatial inequalities. The review is based on...

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Impactful devolution 02: Local government for the digital era

This report from UK think tank the Future Governance Forum explores what an effective local digital ecosystem – bridging local and central government – could look like. Plans are in motion within the ‘digital centre’ of government to reshape the way central government works and delivers public services, reflecting a recognition of the power of...

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Who is losing learning? Finding solutions to the school engagement crisis

This report from UK think tank IPPR sets out 10 recommendations which, if delivered, would see a measurable improvement in school inclusion. An alarming number of children are missing out on the social and educational benefits of school. A crisis of lost learning is sweeping across schools in England. Children cannot learn if they are...

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The Constitutional landscape

This report from UK think tank the Constitution Unit provides a concise overview of the current situation and possible reforms in 31 areas. The Labour government came to power in 2024 proposing constitutional reforms in a number of areas. This followed a decade which often saw debates about constitutional topics arise. Some of the government's...

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How the government can support better decision making in mayoral combined authorities

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at making England’s ‘devolution revolution’ a reality. By May, over half of England’s population will live in an area covered by a metro mayor. The mayoral combined authorities (MCAs) they lead have already shown their capacity to take on responsibility for key local economic...

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Life in the UK 2024 England

This report from UK think tank Carnegie UK measures collective wellbeing across the UK in 2024. Out of a possible score of 100, England’s collective wellbeing in 2024 was just 61. This number is the same as the overall UK wellbeing score, and, within England, remains unchanged since our inaugural publication of this index in...

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Social impact investment as a policy tool

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Policy Research looks at the potential value of impact investment in achieving their policy goals. Both before and since the 2024 UK general election, politicians have been talking about the potential value of impact investment in achieving their policy goals. Despite this interest, and an increasing...

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Metromentum: taking strategic authorities from patchwork to powerhouse

This report from UK think tank Reform sets out a practical roadmap for realising the full potential of Strategic Authorities by evolving them to become more decisive, accountable, and capable. England’s devolution agenda is at a turning point. A new generation of Strategic Authorities is being rolled out across the country. They are intended to...

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How can areas successfully reorganise local government and implement devolution at the same time?

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at how local leaders and central government can successfully navigate the challenges of ‘dual delivery’. The government has launched an ambitious programme of local government reorganisation that will bring remaining two-tier areas in line with the unitary authority system that operates across most English...

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Related Events

14 May 2025

Location: The Attlee and Reid Room, House of Lords, Westminster London SW1A 0PW

Think tank: Localis

New Stable

This report from UK think tank Localis will discuss the potential for LGPS investment to boost affordable housing provision. We are hosting the launch of Localis’s forthcoming report ‘New Stable’ which concerns the potential for LGPS investment to boost affordable housing provision,  over afternoon tea and refreshments in the Palace of Westminster. ‘New Stable –...