Engage from Delib: September 2026 - Reforms
September was a busy month for governments around the world, particularly in the northern hemisphere where summer recess came to a close for many. Last month saw some major reforms and regulatory shifts, along with some important consultations. In this edition of Engage, we look at how governments are reshaping policy, power and what meaningful engagement looks like.
Customer insights and inspiration:
Below are just a few examples of how customers are using Citizen Space to consult citizens on everything from tackling AI policy to reforming social care.
New mayoral powers in England
In the months since Andy Burnham became the UK’s Prime Minister, there has been a marked focus on regional devolution. While discussions of moving power away from London have dominated headlines, a less discussed reform has been the move towards empowering metro mayors. Given the Prime Minister spent several years as one of Britain’s most prominent metro mayors, this isn’t surprising. However, some of the new powers being handed to mayoral authorities are a radical departure from existing practice.
One controversial example of proposed new powers include regional mayors being able to take over strategically important planning applications, overriding council-level decisions where they deem it necessary.
In September, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) held a consultation on Citizen Space seeking views on these new planning powers. They argue that:
“Mayoral devolution works because Mayors can use their mandate for change to take the difficult decisions needed to drive growth”
The consultation has now closed, but they will publish the response to this proposal in due course.
AI strategy for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Executive is currently developing a cross-departmental Artificial Intelligence Strategy on how to use this new technology safely and responsibly across the public sector. Throughout September, a public consultation was open on their latest Draft AI Strategy document.
The draft strategy sets out the government's principles and priorities when using AI in the public sector. It recognises the potential for AI to improve public services and support economic growth while also considering the risks. This particular reform is important because previous tech strategies were developed before Large Language Models and other AI tools grew prominent.
The consultation is now closed. The NI executive will examine the feedback given during the process before producing and implementing the final strategy document.
NDIS reform in Australia
The Australian Government is consulting on proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as part of a programme of reforms intended to secure the scheme’s future for people with disabilities. The government has suggested that reform is necessary to ensure the NDIS remains financially sustainable while continuing to provide effective support to people with disability and their families.
The consultation covers a range of proposals, including a new eligibility process, new support coordination, the Inclusive Communities Fund, and changes to home and living support for those who require 24/7 support. As well as the public and disabled individuals, the government is also asking for input from disability organisations, health professionals and support workers.
The reforms are focused on tackling fraud and misuse, as well as slowing the rapid growth in costs, establishing clearer eligibility requirements, and improving the quality of services and support available to participants. This consultation is taking place on Citizen Space and will be open until the end of October.
Industry and legislative news:
Important industry news from September, this month we have a particular focus on updating legislation.
A new approach to consultation in the UK
In September, the UK Government set out a new approach to consultation and citizen engagement, placing greater emphasis on speed, ministerial responsibility and more participatory forms of policymaking. The changes were outlined in a letter from Attorney General Ellie Reeves, published alongside updated legal risk guidance for government ministers and officials.
The letter placed a stronger emphasis on more agile and participatory approaches to engaging citizens, with formal consultations reserved for statutory requirements or where ministers consider them the most appropriate way to seek external input.
Statutory consultation requirements remain in place, but the government is also considering removing “unnecessary” consultation and reporting requirements. The approach will doubtless have implications across the wider public sector. For an in-depth analysis of the letter and what it means, you can read more here.
New Planning Act and Natural Environment Act
At the end of last month, New Zealand’s new Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026 received royal assent, beginning the transition towards a new resource management system.
The new Acts simplify planning rules by separating land-use planning from natural environment management, with the Planning Act focused on development and infrastructure and the Natural Environment Act covering environmental protections and natural resources.
The new system is expected to be fully in place by 2030, with opportunities for public submissions as the new planning framework is developed.
Minimum performance standards for data centres in Europe
The European Commission has opened a consultation on proposed minimum performance standards for data centres across the EU. The consultation is looking at how the growing energy and environmental footprint of data centres can be addressed while supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure.
The Commission is considering standards that could improve the energy efficiency of data centres and reduce their environmental impact, including their effects on electricity grids, carbon emissions and water resources. This consultation forms part of a number of considerations that will be taken into account before new legislation is tabled in 2027.
The consultation is open until 14 December and is aimed at gathering views from businesses, industry, public authorities and other interested stakeholders.
Events coming up:
6th Citizen Participation and Deliberative Democracy Festival - 4-6 November 2026 - Brussels, Belgium
The Citizen Participation and Deliberative Democracy Festival brings together practitioners and public institutions to explore how participatory and deliberative processes can strengthen democracy and citizen engagement. The 2026 programme focuses on democratic resilience, new approaches to citizen participation and the infrastructure needed to support meaningful participation.
AI Britain Summit - 28 January 2027 - London, UK
The AI Britain Summit explores how AI could reshape the state, public services and the way citizens experience government. The programme brings together government officials, policymakers and digital-government experts to examine public-service reform, AI priorities and governance.