Public Perceptions of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation: Supportive in Principle, Cautious in Practice

 

Public Perceptions of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation: Supportive in Principle, Cautious in Practice

As local government reorganisation gathers pace in England, the national conversation about the future of councils and combined authorities has never been more important. But what does the public really think about these sweeping changes? Recent polling and stakeholder feedback paint a nuanced picture: while people broadly support the idea of decentralisation, enthusiasm for structural reorganisation — such as creating unitary councils or redrawing local boundaries — is far more muted.


The case for bringing power closer to people


Across multiple surveys, the message from the public is consistent: people want more decisions made at the local level. In an Opinium poll for the New Economics Foundation, 37% of Britons said local government should have more power and resources to address local issues, compared to just 11% who wanted councils to have less. Similarly, people are more than twice as likely to trust local government over national government when it comes to improving their local area.

This appetite for decentralisation reflects a broader desire for visible, accountable leadership. The rise of metro mayors is one of the success stories of devolution so far. In combined authority areas, an average of 74% of residents can name their mayor, compared with just 20% who can name their council leader. Mayors have emerged as recognisable champions for their regions, and this visibility matters. In mayoral elections, more than half of voters say they cast their ballot based on the individual candidate rather than party allegiance. It’s clear that many people welcome the chance to choose a local figurehead who can speak up for their community.

Businesses echo this enthusiasm. Manufacturers, for example, see local decision-making as vital to their future success. Over 70% of firms polled by Make UK said that devolution and local control over policies such as skills, housing and transport are important for regional prosperity.

 

Structural reform: a harder sell


In contrast to this support for devolution in principle, public enthusiasm for local government reorganisation — especially unitarisation — is much less pronounced. Recent polling by Ipsos for the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) found that just 26% of the public prefer the idea of single-tier unitary councils, while nearly 40% favour the current two-tier system of counties and districts. The remainder either had no opinion or didn’t know.

This lukewarm support for structural change reflects both limited public engagement and a lack of clarity about the benefits. More than 60% of people admit they are not following the government’s reorganisation plans closely. In areas that are about to gain a metro mayor or new council structure, public awareness is often low. For example, in the East Midlands and North East — both of which held inaugural mayoral elections in 2024 — fewer than half of residents realised the vote was happening.

For many people, local government structure feels abstract — something that happens to them rather than something they influence. And when asked whether local elections should be postponed to accommodate reorganisation, the public instinct is to stick with democratic normality. In a YouGov poll, 43% said local elections should go ahead as planned, with only 27% supporting delays. This shows a preference for continuity and caution in the face of top-down change.

 

Key concerns: local identity, representation, and outcomes


One of the most consistent public concerns is about losing local identity and representation. The idea of merging several small district councils into a single large unitary authority raises fears of remoteness and a weakening of local democracy. People value having elected representatives who know their community.

 

Another major concern is whether reorganisation will actually lead to better outcomes. People are rightly frustrated with the current state of public services — polls show that nearly 70% believe services have worsened in recent years. But there is scepticism about whether changing council structures will fix this. The public wants to see tangible benefits: better services, improved infrastructure, and stronger local economies. Structural change, without visible improvements, risks being seen as a distraction or, worse, as a cost-cutting exercise that leaves communities worse off.

 

Implications for policymakers


The key message from public perception data is that devolution and reorganisation need to be locally owned, clearly explained, and focused on outcomes. People want local government to have the power and resources to make a real difference — but they are wary of structural changes that seem imposed from above or that risk weakening local representation.

If councils and government want to build public support for reorganisation, they must:

  • Communicate clearly about how changes will improve people’s lives.
  • Engage communities meaningfully in shaping the future of local governance.
  • Ensure that reforms deliver practical benefits — better services, stronger local economies, and more accountable leadership.


Devolution offers a chance to rebuild trust in politics and empower communities. But structural reorganisation will only gain lasting public backing if it is seen not as change for its own sake, but as a genuine route to better outcomes.



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As local government reorganisation gathers pace in England, the national conversation about the future of councils and combined authorities has never been more important. But what does the public really think about these sweeping changes?

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