We’re pleased to share the updated February 2026 edition of Unlocking the Public Estate – Local Realities, National Choices, led by Guy Brett.
With Budget 2025 and this week’s SEND reform announcement, the operating environment for local government is shifting.
While there remains no broad capital programme for civic estate renewal, reforms to high-needs (SEND) funding pressures and the move to multi-year settlements begin to reduce volatility and restore planning confidence. As the report argues, estate and social infrastructure transformation starts with stability.
The updated edition sets out practical steps for councils and central government to align property, place and service reform and to move from ambition to delivery.
Read the full report here.
