The reorganisation of local government is often seen as a logistical challenge rather than a transformative opportunity. Too often, restructuring efforts focus on administrative efficiency-consolidating multiple authorities into fewer, larger ones-without rethinking the fundamental way services are delivered. In all the chaos of ‘merging’, the strategy for adopting and instilling common patterns, interoperability and a service-oriented approach gets almost entirely ignored. “Stick it in and fix it later” is an expensive and demotivating strategy and ‘going to market’ for the same legacy platforms - is worse still. Even worse... the foreseeable and predictable monumental waste in trying to buy tactical AI will result in massively expensive mistakes.
But what if, instead of simply merging outdated operating models, we used this once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed Digital Layer thinking at the heart of local government?
I am boring because my strongly held view is that AI has to be adopted culturally before it can be implemented practically and made useful in any organisation. If our teams constantly think they are implementing their way out of a job, we’ll just be creating more expensive and pointless projects that serve only as great press releases.
The UK’s latest wave of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) presents a rare opportunity to modernise governance structures, culture, and the way public services are delivered. The risk, however, is clear: councils may fall into the trap of "just gloss painting" existing systems, leaving inefficiencies and legacy back-office technologies intact.
At Jadu, we have seen what is possible when local authorities take a Digital Layer approach. In West Northamptonshire, the unification of multiple legacy councils into a single authority was not just an administrative change, it was a digital and cultural transformation. By consolidating customer relationship management (CRM) systems into a single, AI-integrated platform, West Northamptonshire was able to improve service delivery, enhance accessibility, and lay the foundation for future AI-driven efficiencies. We’re now working in their Children's service to use AI to process Requests for a Statutory Assessment (RSA) of special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are submitted. The aim is to make the specialist teams processing applications much more productive and reduce decision timescales.
This is what devolution should be about: not just reconfiguring governance structures but rethinking the digital infrastructure that underpins local government.
For any new or reorganised local authority, implementing a Digital Layer means:
This approach moves beyond tactical fixes and quick technology patches, instead creating sustainable digital ecosystems that are AI-ready and resilient for the future.
As Local Government Reorganisation gains pace, there will be pressure to implement "quick wins" - tactical technology solutions that patch together legacy systems rather than replacing them with something fit for the digital age.
But this is a mistake.
The real opportunity of reorganisation lies in fixing the broken plumbing - the outdated, siloed back-office systems and spreadsheets that make service delivery slow and inefficient. Councils must resist the temptation to continue with fragmented digital estates and instead commit to a fully integrated, standards-based approach to digital service delivery.
If local government is to be fit for a digital, self-service future, it must embrace modern standards for digital service delivery. This means:
All the technology we need is already here. The challenge is making sure we use devolution to harness it effectively.
The next wave of local government transformation must be digital at its core. That means not just thinking about governance and budgets but about how we architect local government for the AI-powered future that will now be pervasive, everywhere.
This is not just a technical challenge - it’s a leadership one.
Local authorities have a generational opportunity to embed the Digital Layer and redefine public service delivery for decades to come. The question is: will any of them take it?
Local Government Reorganisation presents more than just a structural shift, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to radically improve how services are designed, delivered, and experienced by citizens. To make the most of this moment, authorities must embrace integrated service models, unify their digital estates, and take a strategic, citizen-first approach to transformation, driving efficiencies and streamlining service delivery by rationalising systems, processes and platforms, lowering costs and improving residents’ experience.
Jadu Consulting brings the skills and insight required to guide councils through this complex transition, ensuring changes are not only well-planned and effectively implemented but also cost-effective and sustainable. Our team supports decision-making with evidence-based strategies, enabling councils to modernise without disruption to essential services.
We partner with local authorities in digital service design, platform integration, and citizen engagement, designing unified digital experiences that prioritise accessibility, interoperability, and long-term sustainability. From strategic planning and procurement advice to delivering scalable, AI-ready solutions, Jadu Consulting uses Jadu Digital Platform to consolidate legacy systems and create consistent, intuitive digital services that reduce administrative burden and improve citizen satisfaction. With built-in support for open standards, flexible integrations, and accessibility by default, our platform is purpose-built for councils ready to embrace the digital layer and lead with confidence.
A powerful example of our innovation is Agent-Ex Search - a next-generation digital self-service tool. Unlike traditional chatbots, Agent-Ex delivers accurate, immediate answers without confusing menus or convoluted pathways, helping residents find what they need quickly and easily. As councils amalgamate and centralise services, Agent-Ex can play a key role in simplifying citizen access and easing pressure on frontline teams.
At Jadu we are also developing a Playbook for Creating a Modern Local Authority - a strategic toolkit informed by our deep experience in the public sector. We invite councils to collaborate with us in shaping this resource and sharing best practice to deliver services that are not only digital by design, but truly transformative in impact. Please get in touch if you are interested.
With the right strategy, tools, and support, councils can use this moment to deliver bold, meaningful change. Let’s not waste the opportunity. Let’s build the digital foundations for the next generation of public service.