Everything in its right place
Think tank: Localis
Author(s): Sandy Forsyth
June 3, 2026
This report from UK think tank Localis explores establishing strong organisations and practices for successful devolution.
England is currently undergoing a dual transformation: that of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the expansion of devolution across metropolitan and, increasingly, rural areas. This period of transition will be marked by significant structural changes impacting the organisational culture, service delivery mechanisms, and accountability processes of local and strategic authorities. When it comes to devolution, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach: the success of strategic governance is heavily influenced by the specific histories, civic identities, and geographies that define England’s places.
‘Everything in its right place’ sets out ways in which new and maturing strategic authorities can adapt to the needs of place while still aligning with a national policy that encourages regional growth. There is a need for a landscape of devolution that supports the genuine decentralisation of responsibilities and resources to regional and local levels, including by means of enhanced fiscal devolution.
Without a strong foundation that elevates place to the centre of policy decisions, the ongoing and potential shift of power into England’s regions will not be the success that it can be.
