The Silent Stakeholder: Why Residents Deserve a Seat at the LGR Table

As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) continues to reshape the public sector landscape, many conversations understandably focus on governance, efficiency, and cost-saving. But what about the people these changes are ultimately meant to serve?

This roundtable explores LGR through a different lens—that of the resident. While councils are working hard to manage complex transitions, there remains a widespread challenge: many residents are unclear about what LGR means, how it affects them, or even who their new council will be.

This isn’t a failure of intent—it’s a call to strengthen communication and engagement strategies. As councils grow in size and scope, the need to segment audiences and deliver timely, relevant, and accessible information becomes more critical than ever.

In this session, we’ll explore:

• Why resident understanding and engagement must be central to any successful LGR strategy.

• How to ensure residents feel informed, included, and supported throughout the LGR process.

• The role of digital engagement and human-centred design in building trust and clarity.

• Practical strategies for delivering the right message to the right people at the right time.

• How councils can balance internal transformation with external transparency.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how to make LGR not just a structural success—but a human one. Together, we’ll explore how councils can continue to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose.