IPM Fellow Graham Galpin shares thoughts on devolution ahead of IPM webinar
"May you live in interesting times" - I’m told this is an old Chinese proverb. It certainly applies to our current scenario.
Many of us believe that local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution are essential to the future of strategic governance in England. Others see these changes as potentially anti-democratic. But I suggest this is a unique opportunity to empower local governance - the real question is: can this be done without sacrificing community engagement? And what will it mean for smaller local communities?
Recent local elections have shifted our political landscape, challenging the long-standing two-party system. LGR reforms are expected to progress within this Parliament, and those of us working in or with places must understand both the opportunities and risks of structural change.
Who speaks for the person in the street? As combined or foundation unitary authorities begin to replace local district councils, how far removed will local towns be from the centre of power?
These questions have led to a series of semi-formal conversations among IPM members, civic society, and the public sector. Two roundtables so far have raised key issues:
- What does ‘place’ mean in practice? Too often, place is narrowly defined - framed in economic or administrative terms, ignoring the civic, cultural, and social dimensions of lived experience.
- Where is the democratic voice? As regional structures grow, smaller communities risk being sidelined. Should empowering town and parish councils be part of the solution?
- Will reorganisation pause delivery? Reforms aimed at improving governance may unintentionally delay urgent work on housing and regeneration.
- How do we connect strategy to delivery? There is often a gap between regional ambitions and the mechanisms needed to implement them locally.
- How do we grow capacity at all levels? Many areas lack the technical skills, funding, and collaborative structures to deliver on new responsibilities.
Having seen recent feedback from a county that wasn’t selected as a pilot for a new Mayoral area, I was pleased to read the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods’ report. It recognises the value of community engagement through diverse models, and echoes many of the concerns raised in our discussions.
One thing we’ve deliberately not done is close the conversation. These discussions remain open:
- how do we ensure towns are heard
- and have the tools and responsibility
- to deliver what communities and businesses truly need?
The government’s White Paper suggests some structures are in place. But those of us working locally know they often lack the resources, people, and powers to meet expectations. Frustration is widespread.
At IPM, we recognise the choices and challenges towns face. That’s why I’m looking forward to our upcoming webinar, “Town Centres and Devolution” on 28th May. It’s an opportunity to continue this dialogue.
I’m particularly pleased we’ll hear from Justin Griggs (NALC) and Andrew O’Brien (Local Trust and Head of the Secretariat for ICON).
I hope you’ll join us - not just to listen, but to contribute to the conversation.
* This is the latest stage of this discussion for IPM members, and we will be using feedback from this session to submit a consultation response to the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods which is encouraging consultation responses by Friday 25th July 2025.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.