On 1 April a range of new councils and unitary authorities will come into being. This is part of the Government’s promise to deliver devolution deals to every area of England seeking a chance for stronger local leadership and capacity to respond to local requirements. But huge pressure on services and soaring demand could make it challenging for local governments to deliver the impact they promised in their bid submissions as they move into their new models.

Vesting Day should prompt a cheer: the chance to take wider control of services, assets and infrastructure, in order to boost financial and commercial stability as the foundation for creating prosperous places for people to live and work. So it is crucial that local governments prepare in a way that ensures they continue to meet all their responsibilities, operations run smoothly and all stakeholders are informed and engaged.