Local Government Reorganisation Advisory Group
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has set up the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) advisory group to support the delivery of the government’s reorganisation programme. All documents relating to the LGR advisory group can be found on this page.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has set up the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) advisory group to support the delivery of the government’s reorganisation programme.
The LGR advisory group brings together senior representatives and experts from across local government. It provides independent, evidence-based advice to:
- inform policy development
- guide implementation
- help manage risks
- offer constructive challenge to strengthen delivery
The LGR advisory group’s main focus is on local government reorganisation. However, it also considers related issues such as devolution, especially where both are happening at the same time.
The advisory group plays a key role by:
- recommending practical, evidence-based approaches to policy and delivery
- challenging plans and proposals to improve outcomes
- sharing learning and best practice from previous reorganisations
- identifying potential risks and suggesting ways to address them
- advising on how government can best support local authorities through change
The group’s advice helps ensure that local government reorganisation supports wider public service reform and delivers positive outcomes for communities.
Terms of Reference
Meetings of the Advisory Group
Sector Advisors
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has appointed 3 experienced sector Advisors to support the government and local councils in the planning and delivery of local government reorganisation of all two-tier councils in England by the end of this Parliament.
They will provide expert advice and act as a critical friend to both central and local government to ensure the successful implementation of strong, sustainable unitary councils that can deliver high-quality public services and deliver better outcomes for local residents.
Theresa Grant OBE, Tony McArdle OBE and John Metcalfe are all experts in local government, and former local government chief executives, with experience of working with local areas going through reorganisation.
Theresa Grant OBE is an experienced local government chief executive, having led Northamptonshire County Council through reorganisation, as well as chief executive roles at Liverpool City Council and Trafford Borough Council.
Tony McArdle OBE is the lead Commissioner at Birmingham City Council and lead Commissioner at Nottingham City Council. Tony has extensive local government experience and is the former Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council, and Wellingborough council. He has worked in senior central government roles. Tony also chaired the Croydon Improvement and Assurance Panel.
John Metcalfe is an experienced local government chief executive and led Cumbria County Council through local government reorganisation. Prior to this he was Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight unitary council.
Advisors will work closely with the Local Government Association and other sector bodies to coordinate with wider support being provided by the sector. This is an addition to the ongoing support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government delivery leads for each area, the sector-led local government reorganisation support offer provided by sector bodies including universal support from the Local Government Association. A summary of the sector-led local government reorganisation support offer can be found on the Local Government Association devolution and local government reorganisation hub.
John Metcalfe, Theresa Grant OBE and Tony McArdle OBE all sit on MHCLG’s local government reorganisation advisory group.