English local government’s perfect storm: what it means for local economic development and placemaking

David and Mike unpack the “perfect storm” hitting English local government in early 2026. From the new financial settlement and outcomes framework to 52 reorganisation proposals and reinstated local elections, they explore what this blizzard of change really means for local economic development and placemaking. Is this a moment to despair – or to push for system‑level reform in how Whitehall, local democracy and LED actually work together?