The Local Digital team is developing a practical playbook of guidance, case studies, and tools to help councils plan and deliver the digital, data, technology and cyber elements of local government reorganisation (LGR). This will enable them to build resilient, digital-first, and secure foundations ahead of vesting day. 

This work supports the ambitions of the English Devolution White Paper (December 2024), which set out the government’s vision for simpler local government structures. As part of a programme to end two-tier local government in England, 21 two-tier areas are being restructured into unitary authorities. Our aim is to help councils navigate this change, ensuring reorganisation is an opportunity to improve their digital and cyber foundations. 

What we’re hearing

Through conversations with councils already involved in LGR, insights from our work on Future Councils and data migration, and research from the Local Government Association, we have identified several common challenges:  

• the scale of merging or separating systems and data securely can feel overwhelming 
• councils want to learn from peers but find it challenging to apply others’ lessons locally 
• successful unitarisations balance the essentials for vesting day with a clear long-term digital vision 
• cyber security can be overlooked in the early planning stages, but is critical to ensuring continuity and protecting data throughout the transition 

These insights are shaping our work, ensuring it reflects sector needs and practical experience.  

The playbook in practice

By “playbook”, we mean a set of tried and tested strategies, guidance, and recommendations to help councils address digital and cyber challenges of LGR. We want to include case studies and learnings from councils who have already unitarised, as well as point to trusted resources, such as the Cyber Assessment Framework for local government and data standards like SAVVI and Open Referral UK. 

We recognise there isn’t a single right approach for all councils. Decisions about technical architecture, digital strategy, or which key systems to merge or separate will differ locally. We’ll create and share reusable tools and frameworks to support councils in making informed decisions that fit their context. 

Built by the sector, for the sector

This won’t be authored by MHCLG alone. It will be a shared space where councils, suppliers and sector bodies can contribute good practice and guidance. We’ll share more information on our channels in the coming months about our community contribution model as we develop it. 

We’re working with the Local Government Association, other government departments, SOCITM, and councils currently undergoing unitarisation, as well as those who have already completed it. Our aim is to grow this into a living resource shaped by the sector’s collective experience. 

Get involved

We would like to hear from councils that have resources or examples that can help others manage the digital, data, technology or cyber aspects of LGR. 

We’re especially interested in work relating to: 

• data 
• technology 
• strategy and culture 
• customer experience 
• delivery and running the service 
• cyber security 

Complete our form to register your interest. Your input will help build a playbook that benefits the whole sector.