Local Government Association

04/09/2026

Did you know that last year, 100 per cent of English councils and strategic authorities engaged with at least one type of LGA support?

The LGA improvement support: Annual report 2025/26 is now live.

It provides a snapshot of how our highly valued Sector Support Offer has delivered positive impact for local and strategic authorities across England.

The LGA has a long-term track record of delivering high impact, low-cost programmes. The sector support programme alone saves the sector tens of millions of pounds annually, delivering significant economies of scale by using a peer-based approach, and reducing unnecessary spend on consultancies.

Read the full report to see the difference our support made across peer challenge, regional support, governance, finance, workforce, leadership, research and data, and transformation.

Link in the comments.

03/09/2026

Our Chair, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien spoke to BBC Radio 5 this morning alongside Baroness Louise Casey in a discussion about adult social care reform in England.

Cllr O'Brien said:

"We've got to look at the relationship between what we do in hospitals and NHS and integrate that with local authorities. It's not just about spending more money, there's a lot that can be said about spending the existing money more wisely."

You can listen back to the entire programme on BBC sounds: https://orlo.uk/VKRlY

Cllr O'Brien speaks from 1:11:56.

Baroness Louise Casey takes your calls on reforming social care in England.

03/09/2026

With council budgets under such pressure, understanding financial governance matters more than ever, and it's not just a job for the finance team. Every councillor has a part to play.

Our free two-part virtual course explains what good financial governance looks like in practice, covering roles and responsibilities, budgeting, financial control and project evaluation.

Sessions run on Tuesday 22 September and Thursday 8 October, with a repeat programme in November and December. Ideal for new councillors or anyone wanting a refresher.

Free for all councils, combined authorities and government departments.

Registration link in the comments.

02/09/2026

Our public affairs team are attending the Reform UK party conference in Birmingham on 3-5 September.

It's a great opportunity to connect with our newly elected members and discuss the issues that matter most to Reform led councils.
Full details of all LGA events over the party conference season, including debates and receptions, are available on our website: https://orlo.uk/O7KfP

01/09/2026

Councillor Vanisha Solanki became a councillor at 22, determined to make sure young people's voices are heard in local politics. While studying at the University of Birmingham, she learned that the average age of councillors is 60, and couldn't understand why more young people weren't involved.

"I'm deeply committed to improving the lives of our residents, particularly those facing difficult circumstances. The satisfaction of knowing that our efforts can lead to real, positive change makes it all worthwhile."

Her advice? Rome wasn't built in a day, focus on two or three key issues at a time.

Read Vanisha's full story 👉 https://orlo.uk/GHWy8

I am deeply committed to improving the lives of our residents, particularly those facing difficult circumstances. The role comes with its challenges, but the satisfaction of knowing that our efforts can lead to real, positive change makes it all worthwhile.

27/08/2026

Councillor Jacob Morton was elected in 2023 at just 19, and while balancing the role with full-time work, he's helped secure £7,500 for the local football club, funded tree planting, delivered a new community defibrillator, and campaigned successfully for inclusive playgrounds.

"As a young councillor, it's easy to feel a sense of imposter syndrome, but remember: you've been elected and entrusted by your community to represent and speak for them."

Jacob's tip for new councillors? Ask, ask, ask — there are always experienced colleagues willing to help.

Read more 👉 https://orlo.uk/lEBpz

As a young councillor, it’s easy to feel a sense of imposter syndrome, but remember: you’ve been elected and entrusted by your community to represent and speak for them.

21/08/2026

Councillor Anna Bailey became a district councillor in 2007 after a friend told her it was "only a couple of evenings a month." Fast forward to today, and she's been council leader for nearly six years, proud of a "little council that does big things," having frozen its share of council tax for 12 years while still funding youth centres, a theatre, community orchards, and genuinely affordable homes.

"Being a councillor is hard work and a big responsibility — sometimes it drives me mad! But it is exciting and incredibly fulfilling."

Anna's advice: remember that it's the people who put you there, and you exist to speak up for them.

Read more: https://orlo.uk/nGdmN

Being a councillor is hard work and a big responsibility – sometimes it drives me mad! But it is exciting and incredibly fulfilling.

19/08/2026

Councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend 's activism began in the 1980s, leading them to be elected as a councillor in 2015. Now in their third term, Ani balances running a business, raising a child and attending council meetings, all while managing disabilities and ADHD, without paid leave.

"I strive to be open and authentic, demonstrating that embracing one's differences is possible, despite significant challenges."

As a q***r trans person with disabling conditions, Ani believes representation matters, and that having interests outside politics is key to finding the strength to persevere.

https://orlo.uk/Ew7ml

I strive to be open and authentic, demonstrating that embracing one’s differences is possible, despite significant challenges.

14/08/2026

Nate Higgins became the youngest councillor elected in Newham in May 2022, but he never set out with a grand plan to build a political career. Before standing, he was already deep in community action: organising food bank and winter coat collections, campaigning against a new road tunnel, and fighting for LGBTQIA+ protections.

"It took a lot of encouragement for me to understand that being elected could be a platform to increase the impact of the work I was already doing."

Nate's advice? You can do the role your own way, and a few more young councillors in your community could go a long way.

It took a lot of encouragement for me to understand that being elected could be a platform to increase the impact of the work I was already doing.

13/08/2026

Did you know that last year, 100 per cent of English councils and strategic authorities engaged with at least one type of LGA support?

The LGA improvement support: Annual report 2025/26 is now live.

It provides a snapshot of how our highly valued Sector Support Offer has delivered positive impact for local and strategic authorities across England.

The LGA has a long-term track record of delivering high impact, low-cost programmes. The sector support programme alone saves the sector tens of millions of pounds annually, delivering significant economies of scale by using a peer-based approach, and reducing unnecessary spend on consultancies.

Read the full report to see the difference our support made across peer challenge, regional support, governance, finance, workforce, leadership, research and data, and transformation.

Link in the comments.