The complexity of reconciling the competing policies of greater localisation and empowerment versus the dissolution of district councils, alongside the creation of larger unitary councils and newly- styled strategic authorities should not be underestimated. It's an opportunity, but an immense challenge for local government.

The local government minister, Jim McMahon, was ambitious to suggest we could produce a coherent proposal for change within nine months and delivery by 2028. The timeline feels tight. The minister's faith in local government officers is well placed but he's gambling that a little local government magic will rub off on his reorganisation process.