As regional leaders gain more autonomy through devolution, it is crucial for them to have access to accurate and timely financial data to make informed decisions. Matt Bland, Director at Vision ERP, emphasises the importance of modern finance systems in supporting decision-making and ultimately delivering visible and trustworthy results for communities
The UK’s devolution agenda, whether through metro mayors, devolved administrations, or levelling-up initiatives, places decision-making and public investment closer to the communities they serve. However, with this welcome autonomy comes an increase in responsibility and scrutiny. For regional leaders to make confident and effective decisions, they must rely on accurate and timely financial and operational data.
A modern finance system, rooted in integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms such as Unit4 ERP, plays a critical role. It provides what many authorities lack: a single source of truth. This ensures that every team, from transportation to health to economic development, works from the same data, enabling informed decision- making and effective financial control.
Why modern finance systems matter in devolved regions
Newly empowered regions face complex portfolios, including economic development, adult skills, transport infrastructure, and climate initiatives, often managed by stretched finance and administrative teams. Yet many local authorities still operate with legacy systems that are fragmented, inflexible, and data-poor.
Such systems limit the ability of civic leaders to see the big picture. Finance teams spend too much time manually reconciling data across departments and too little time on strategic forecasting or risk management. This can lead to duplicated efforts, missed opportunities for efficiency, and an inability to act swiftly when priorities change.
By contrast, a modern cloud-based ERP system integrates core processes (finance, procurement, HR, and payroll) into one cohesive structure. This reduces duplication and administrative burden while improving oversight and auditability. For devolved authorities, where every funding decision must be defensible and aligned to outcomes, this foundation is essential.
Acting early: A key to efficiency and value
The best time to modernise your finance platform is before the cracks start to show. Many authorities consider ERP implementation only when pain points, such as budget shortfalls, process delays, and compliance risks, become visible. By then, the damage is already done.
For regions undergoing structural change or preparing to take on new devolved powers, implementing a modern ERP system early ensures that new services are built on solid ground. Authorities can benefit from:
- Real-time financial data that supports proactive decision-making
- Better control over budget planning and resource allocation
- Greater resilience, with built-in audit trails and compliance features
Early investment also enables authorities to reimagine how services are delivered. Rather than replicating outdated processes in digital form, they can use the opportunity to streamline operations, design more citizen-centric services, and support collaboration across agencies.
The role of FP&A in strategic planning
While ERP provides the system backbone, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) tools bring it to life for finance teams. FP&A systems that integrate directly with ERP, such as Unit4 FP&A, enable dynamic budgeting and forecasting based on real-time operational data.
Instead of working from static spreadsheets, finance officers can model different scenarios, assess the impact of funding changes, and quickly adapt to evolving local priorities. Whether analysing the long-term costs of a new transport network or modelling workforce needs for adult care services, FP&A offers the agility and transparency that devolved authorities require.
Crucially, this isn’t just about the finance team. Better forecasting means better conversations across leadership, where data-driven insights can shape everything from housing investment to climate resilience planning.
One source of truth: The foundation for confident leadership
With an integrated ERP and FP&A platform, data no longer resides in departmental silos. Everyone, from portfolio holders to finance directors and service leads, works from the same trusted information. This ‘single source of truth’ underpins better decisions, faster responses, and greater public accountability.
It also supports more effective scrutiny and governance. When performance reports, budget updates, and service metrics are drawn from the same system, boards and audit committees can focus on insight and action, not reconciling conflicting numbers.
In devolved contexts, this consistency is especially valuable. With multiple stakeholders from local enterprise partnerships, Whitehall departments, and regional delivery bodies, authorities must navigate complex reporting requirements and competing priorities. A single data foundation provides the clarity and credibility to manage these relationships effectively.
Lessons from practice: Real-world improvements
Authorities that have embraced integrated ERP systems have reported tangible benefits:
- Efficiency savings through automation of routine processes
- Improved forecasting and resource management across departments
- Enhanced transparency for both internal stakeholders and the public
- Reduced risk via early identification of financial pressures
One example involved two regional public bodies consolidating their finance and HR systems, achieving millions in savings while improving visibility across previously disconnected teams.
While the systems and processes are important, the partner you choose to implement them with also matters. Public sector experience, understanding of governance requirements, and a commitment to user training are all vital to ensuring a smooth transition and long-term adoption.
Procurement made simple: G-Cloud and BOS2
Concerns about procurement complexity often delay modernisation projects. However, established government frameworks such as G-Cloud and Back Office Software 2 (BOS2) provide a clear and compliant route to sourcing cloud ERP and planning tools. Through these frameworks, local and regional authorities can collaborate with experienced delivery partners, such as Vision ERP, without the overhead of full procurement cycles.
These frameworks also support more agile project planning. Instead of large-scale, one-off implementations, authorities can adopt ERP modules in phases, addressing their most pressing needs first while setting a path toward broader transformation.
A call to prepare, not react
Devolution presents an opportunity to do things differently and better. The full promise of local control will only be realised if the financial infrastructure supports it. Modernising finance systems is not just about saving money; it’s about building confidence in public leadership, supporting innovation, and delivering results that communities can see and trust.
For metro mayors, combined authorities, and devolved governments alike, the message is clear: don’t wait for the challenges to mount. Act early, lay strong digital foundations, and ensure your team has the tools they need to deliver on the devolution promise.
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
