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Toolkit published to help highway authorities navigate Local Government Reorganisation

A new toolkit has been published today, Wednesday 13 May, designed to help local highway authorities navigate local government reorganisation (LGR).  

Developed by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) in partnership with Local Partnerships, the Navigating Highways Services through Local Government Reorganisation Toolkit helps authorities navigate the highway challenges associated with LGR. 

Drawing on work by Local Partnerships - a public sector delivery partner supporting councils through complex transformation programmes - alongside input from ADEPT members, the toolkit addresses the key highway challenges associated with LGR.  

As new unitary authorities are established and boundaries redrawn, the toolkit provides practical step-by-step guidance and checklists and is designed to help senior leaders and officers ensure continuity of service, while also setting a clear direction for long-term harmonisation, efficiency and transformation. 

The toolkit was launched at the ADEPT Spring Conference 2026 by Katie Stewart, the incoming ADEPT President for 2026/27. This year’s conference, ‘Leading local places through change’, brought together place leaders from across England to discuss the evolving local government landscape and also welcomed Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP as keynote speaker.   

Katie Stewart, ADEPT President, said: “Local Government Reorganisation is one of the defining challenges facing place leaders right now and highway services are among the most visible and politically significant functions a local authority delivers. This toolkit reflects the real experiences of our members and gives authorities the practical support they need to protect services, manage risk and seize the real opportunities that reorganisation can bring. It is exactly the kind of resource that helps councils lead their local places through change." 

Sarah-Joy Lewis, Head of LGR & Transformation at Local Partnerships, said: “We know that highways services are critical to residents and to members. We are delighted to have been supported by ADEPT in producing this toolkit for authorities going through Local Government Reorganisation. LGR will define local service delivery for the future and we are working closely with the sector to provide support and guidance at all stages along the journey.” 

The full toolkit can be downloaded here: www.adeptnet.org.uk/LRG-Highways-Toolkit  

ADEPT also launched a number of other publications at the conference. This included the ADEPT Strategic Plan 2026-2029, setting out the organisation's strategic objectives, values and priorities; a Local Highways Climate Adaptation Guide for highway asset and network managers; and an Electric Vehicle Charging Guide for local authorities on planning and delivering EV charging infrastructure. 

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