With local government devolution and reorganisation on the horizon, along with the ongoing challenges of delivering 1.5 million homes and economic regeneration mandates, there was much to talk about in relation to the Local Government sector in Leeds at UKREiiF 2026.

But amid all the change and challenges, one message stood out loud and clear: local authorities are open to business. The three-day conference was full of hope, opportunity, resilience and a desire to work together to create solutions that deliver real benefits for communities.

Discussions were also focused on the importance of place over politics, what matters to communities and a genuine desire for collaboration and partnership working, particularly between Mayors, Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities (CA/CCAs) and their local authority partners. In this round-up insight, our experts who work with the sector have summarised some of the key themes from UKREiiF 2026.

Local Government Devolution and Reorganisation

With the enactment of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (the Act) in April, it was no surprise that devolution and local government reorganisation was one of the core themes for the sector. In particular, the below points were prominent:

• Facilitating collaboration and faster decision making: There was a strong drive for collaborative working and partnerships across all levels – from Mayors and Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities (CA/CCAs) to their constituent councils and their wider development partners – to enable local priorities to be met.
• Shared strategies and pipelines: The establishment of spatial development strategies, local growth plans and investment pipelines under the new legislation has allowed CA/CCAs to set out and align their key regional priorities with a transformative programme of projects that will reach every part of their region over the lifespan of their plans. These should enable them to support their areas in boosting growth, enhancing transport infrastructure, providing more high-quality homes, developing a skilled workforce and developing their communities.
• Enhanced planning toolkit: The enhanced powers which are now available to all Mayors and CA/CCAs in relation to planning and economy have been welcomed. At the conference, attendees agreed that they will provide additional tools in their devolved toolkit to enable them to deliver growth and meet their key priorities.
• Local government reorganisation: Many county, district and borough councils across the country are currently in the middle of reorganisation. Decisions have also recently been made in some areas and the outcome for many others is expected in July. It is clear that preparation and collaboration between neighbouring authorities is going to be key over the coming months, with many authorities already starting their preparations and key workstreams being formalised. This will include understanding what the existing authorities already have in terms of assets, contracts and property, before working alongside others to establish what, when and how these will be transferred or dealt with in the transition phases.

Read our previous insights to learn more about the changes that will affect local authorities under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, how the roles of Mayors and CA/CCAs are changing, and what is happening with local government reorganisation.

Regeneration and Housing Delivery in Local Government

While local authorities had their minds on big restructuring questions that come with devolution and reorganisation, many also turned up with the intention of seeking to build networks with developers, investors and consultants to get their immediate housing and redevelopment priorities delivered. Development brochures and insightful panel sessions showcased what local authorities have to offer the market, and the recent establishment of Homes England’s National Housing Bank has shown that the government is ready to invest. Discussions focused on the fact that while funding programmes may provide limitations for local authority delivery, the fundamental aim is to give as much certainty as possible – and it was agreed that there is currently a wealth of funding opportunities for authorities with development appetites.

In terms of the investor market, local authorities at UKREiiF agreed that open discussions could assist developers, investors and local authorities to understand each other’s limitations and opportunities. There were also novel ideas for town centre regeneration and examples of great innovative practice on display from various authorities, showing that determination and perseverance can get things done, even in a difficult market.

It was powerful to see regional focus and collaborative working to deliver inward investment region-wide. Housing delivery for local communities remains a big challenge, but all sides are rethinking approaches to unlock stalled programmes and get delivery on site.

Conclusion

Local authority representatives at UKREiiF 2026 made it clear that they are open for business and ready to work with the market to get housing delivered for their communities. At the same time, the devolution and local government reorganisation agenda is entering a new phase, with Mayors and Strategic Authorities taking on a more central role in shaping growth, planning and delivery.

While these are distinct challenges, there was a consistent message across both: progress will depend on both the new powers and structures and on the effective collaboration between Mayors, CA/CCAs, local authorities, the private sector and wider delivery partners to deliver meaningful outcomes for places and communities.

How Capsticks can help

As trusted advisors to local government organisations, our purpose is to deliver results that matter. We appreciate the need to deliver efficiently and cost-effectively and have an in-depth understanding of the legislative and governance framework in which local authorities operate.

To continue the discussion from UKREiiF or to discuss anything relating to the contents of this insight, contact our Head of Local Government Tiffany Cloynes, Partners Lucy Woods and Ruth Yates or Legal Director Rebecca Gilbert.

If you missed any of our Capsticks Pavilion panels or you simply want to find a piece of advice you remember from the session, please get in touch with [email protected] and we can provide you with a recording.