What does the future hold for local government in 2026?

Local government in the UK is at a pivotal juncture. The policy landscape is shifting rapidly. The government's English Devolution White Paper, published in late 2024, outlines a vision for simpler local government structures, stronger local leadership, and greater accountability. While this strategy presents opportunities for enhanced local autonomy and improved outcomes for residents, its implementation also raises challenges. Councils must navigate complex governance changes while continuing to manage financial pressures, maintain services, and strengthen public trust.

The sector's challenges are broad and interconnected. Financial sustainability remains the most pressing concern, as local authorities struggle to balance budgets and protect services. Workforce shortages, with councils having lost almost a third of their staff over the past decade, continue to impact capacity and resilience. At the same time, the need for digital transformation has never been greater; yet, many authorities face barriers such as legacy systems and limited digital literacy among their staff. Overlaying these pressures is the question of policy delivery, as new devolved and reorganised structures require careful planning to avoid disruption and ensure the promised benefits for communities are met.

The Institute of Government & Public Policy has earned a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking conferences. Now in its sixth iteration, the National Local Government Conference 2026 will bring together local authority leaders, policymakers, digital innovators, and frontline professionals to address the sector's biggest challenges, from digital transformation and cybersecurity to place-based leadership and sustainability.

Join the Institute of Government and Public Policy at the Local Government Conference, and examine the future of local government, from financing and workforce resilience to digital innovation and the effective implementation of national policy.