29/05/2026
We have confirmed that we will withdraw from the Local Government Association (LGA), the national trade body representing local authorities.
This decision will save local taxpayers up to £17,200 a year in membership fees and associated costs. From 2022/23 to 2025/26 the saving in fees, plus the time and cost of attending conferences and meetings amounted to £65,700.
Across the country, councils pay around £11 million a year to the LGA, before adding travel, accommodation and officer time.
However, the LGA’s own figures show that more than a quarter of respondents are not satisfied with its work, despite councils paying millions into the organisation every year.
Jonathan Gullis, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Planning and Town Centres, said: “The Local Government Association is everything people are sick of about the broken Westminster political system. A cosy, self-serving establishment funded by hardworking taxpayers who see absolutely nothing in return.
“Tens of thousands of pounds from Newcastle-under-Lyme residents has been funnelled to a flashy Westminster office complete with rooftop bar. The conference trips, hotel stays, travel expenses and officer time spent preparing for and attending these events are all paid for by the taxpayer, with no benefit whatsoever to local people.
“It is a talking shop that exists to protect the political class, not the public. Reform UK was elected to do things differently. That means putting taxpayers first, with institutions like the Local Government Association being abolished.”
