Local Government Association

The LGA’s sector support annual report is now live! Our sector support programme continues to make a significant difference across local government - saving the sector tens of millions of pounds each year through economies of scale and peer-based improvement. In 2024/25, 100% of English councils engaged with at least one type of LGA support, underlining the value and impact of our high-quality, low-cost programmes. https://lnkd.in/ewKVT234 Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “The LGA’s sector support programme is vital in supporting councils to respond to the toughest challenges facing local government, delivering highly-impactful programmes at low cost for both central and local government. “This report demonstrates what a council-led approach can achieve by making best use of knowledge and skills from within local government.”

24% of council areas face the risk of reducing or closing leisure services due to rising costs. We, along with leaders across #LocalGov and the leisure sector urge the Government to invest the £400M from the #SpendingReview in grassroots sports facilities that communities rely on daily. With #LocalGov already the largest funders of public fitness and leisure services , councils are best placed to identify where investment is most needed, and ensure the funding delivers maximum impact for communities. Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the LGA’S Culture, Tourism and Sport Board: “It is positive the Government has announced £400 million for grass roots sports facilities. But for this funding to be truly transformative, we are calling for this to be invested via councils, so it can have the impact that delivers the ambition the Government has to improve our nation’s health.” Read the full media release: https://orlo.uk/XC4lf

Are you looking to brush up on your data & research skills? There's lots of LG Inform and LG Inform Plus webinars available this August. - introductory sessions - personalisation - report building - natural neighbourhoods - data tool and API Book today! https://orlo.uk/Fu99j

Are you a new councillor looking to refine your leadership skills and expand your knowledge and networks? Our councillor hub is your one-stop resource for e-learning, events, and tools to help you succeed in your role: https://orlo.uk/8uAue

“Being a peer means delivering for residents in a way that only local government does." Cllr Ryan Priest Dudley Council explains the value of being a member peer, and how peer support helps councils move forward with confidence. Share your experience and sign up as a peer today: https://orlo.uk/GuHzK

72% of councillors have faced abuse or intimidation in the past year according to our 2025 #DebateNotHate survey. In the latest edition of first, Chair of the LGA’s Civility in Public Life Steering Group, Cllr Marianne Overton MBE, highlights the growing pressures and the urgent need for better support for councillors. ⬇️ https://orlo.uk/LzXf4

Join us on 19 August for the next Local Government Service Design Network session (LG SDN). The LG SDN is an officer-led network, sharing design good practice and learnings from across the sector. We’re thrilled to welcome Rachael Dixon, who’ll be sharing her brilliant work on service design through LGR and process mapping including the evolution from Sedgemoor’s “OG” Process Redesign Manual to Somerset’s ever-evolving Service Design Companion. Not part of the network yet? Sign up to the Local Gov Service Design Network Slack group using your .gov.uk email address to get access to future meetings and events: https://lnkd.in/gjDkkEzZ #ServiceDesign #LocalGov #LGR #ProcessMapping #PublicSectorInnovation

The LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference from 10 to 11 September is a vibrant opportunity for the sector to come together to examine the opportunities for the future. Visit stunning Yorkshire scenery in Bronte country, exciting film locations and historic buildings through the study tours with Bradford Council. Each tour will provide an in-depth learning experience in and around the host city where learning will be centred on how Bradford has maximised its cultural and heritage assets to drive the local economy and its renaissance and to create a legacy for the future. View the programme: https://orlo.uk/hgn1H Book your place: https://orlo.uk/VlfLQ

New analysis reveals that council spending on home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities is projected to reach £2 billion this year. This figure represents a 200 percent increase since 2015-16. Key findings from the research: - Nine in ten responding councils anticipate further spending increases - Only 12 percent express confidence in balancing SEND transport budgets over the next five years These figures highlight the significant financial pressures facing local authorities as they work to meet their statutory obligations for some of the most vulnerable children. For further analysis, read the full article in this month's edition of First magazine:https://orlo.uk/XzzvD

Local government finance can be complex — but it doesn’t have to be. Finance Unpacked is a new series of short, animated videos designed to explain key concepts in council finance. Whether you're a new councillor, an officer stepping into a financial role, or simply need a refresher, Finance Unpacked explains the essentials clearly and simply. Start learning today: https://orlo.uk/DAKbf