As the UK approaches a significant expansion of mayoral devolution in May 2026, Jonathan Marwood highlights a key challenge in his recent article in Built Environment News: the lack of accurate data on council-owned property.
With six new areas joining the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, over 15% of the population will soon fall under devolved authorities tasked with driving local growth, infrastructure and housing. However, the success of this shift hinges on local councils having comprehensive, up-to-date real estate data.
These public assets are vital tools for regeneration, but data gaps risk missed opportunities, inefficient use of land, and a loss of public trust. Councils under financial pressure must be able to identify surplus assets, support community transfers, and plan strategically. Without this foundation, devolution could falter. Marwood argues that robust property data is essential not only for effective governance, but also for delivering on the promises of transparency, accountability and local economic renewal.
You can read his entire article here: https://benews.co.uk/insight/its-time-to-start-preparing-for-the-devolution-revolution/
