We support the creation and operation of local authority franchise territories across England. These territories provide a practical framework for councils, operators and communities to work together.
Our work includes:
Each territory is based on existing local-authority boundaries. This means that responsibilities remain clear and that residents can continue to identify which authority is responsible for their local area.
Local services often cross council boundaries. People travel between towns and cities for work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure. Businesses operate across several council areas, and infrastructure networks rarely stop at an administrative boundary.
A franchise operating model can help authorities plan around the way people actually live and travel.
By working across a wider territory, councils and operators can:
The model is designed to support cooperation, not to remove local authority control.
England is divided into defined operating territories, with each territory bringing together a group of neighbouring local authorities.
Every territory has:
The territory boundary is shown on the official operating map.
A designated franchise body or operator coordinates activity across the territory.
Councils within the territory continue to represent their local communities.
Services are delivered according to agreed quality, accessibility and performance standards.
Performance and outcomes are reported publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.
Residents, businesses and community organisations are able to contribute to plans and proposed changes.
Local authorities remain responsible for their communities and continue to play a central role in decision-making.
The map and operating structure are designed to make it clear who is responsible for each service and each area.
Services should be accessible, affordable and available to people in urban, rural, coastal and remote communities.
The best results come from councils, operators, businesses and communities working together.
Decisions, performance targets, funding arrangements and service results should be communicated openly.
The model should make careful use of public resources and deliver measurable benefits for residents.
Continuous improvement
We recognise that every local authority is different. Some councils cover large rural areas, while others serve densely populated towns and cities. Some authorities have major transport hubs, ports, universities or industrial centres, while others have different priorities.
For this reason, our approach combines common standards with local flexibility.
Territories may share:
However, local authorities can continue to identify local priorities and ensure that services reflect the needs of their own communities.
Residents are at the centre of the operating model.
We want communities to have a clear voice in how services are designed, improved and evaluated. This includes consultation, public meetings, online feedback, surveys and direct engagement with community organisations.
We are committed to making information accessible and easy to understand. Residents should be able to find out:
A franchise territory should be judged by the results it delivers.
We intend to monitor areas such as:
Performance information should be reviewed regularly and made available to the public.
Our vision is for an England where local services are connected across council boundaries but remain accountable to local communities.
We want to help create operating territories that are:
By combining local knowledge with coordinated planning, we believe communities can receive more reliable services and better long-term investment.
The franchise model will continue to develop through consultation, evidence and experience.
We will listen to residents, councils, businesses and service users before major decisions are made. Proposed territory changes, operating arrangements and service standards should be clearly explained and subject to appropriate review.
Our commitment is to create a system that is not only efficient, but also trusted.
Better-connected territories. Clearer responsibilities. Stronger local services.
We welcome views from residents, local authorities, businesses, community organisations and potential operating partners.
If you would like to learn more, contribute to a consultation or discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us.