We're supporting #TimeToTalk today, By discussing mental health and reaching out when we feel low, we can make a big difference ourselves and each other 🤝 www.mind.org.uk/get-involved...

Peer challenge remains one of the most highly valued elements of the LGA’s sector support offer. Providing councils with robust, strategic and credible challenge to strengthen leadership and improve outcomes for communities. https://orlo.uk/8ArU6 1/2

New LGA research shows integrated health & education services are vital to reaching 75% GLD by 2028. But workforce shortages, unequal funding and gaps in early years support are holding back progress. Read our full report: www.local.gov.uk/publications...

As councils agree their financial plans for the year ahead, it’s vital to understand the differences between revenue and capital spend. Our explainer shows you how. Watch here: https://orlo.uk/p24gx

How prepared is your Golden Triangle for a change in political leadership? Chief executives, monitoring officers and S151 officers - join experienced local government peers on Monday 23 February for this free virtual session on scenario planning and best practice. https://orlo.uk/GG88l

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Hammersmith & Fulham Council: "What you give out, you get back. You always learn something from people and how they're rising to the challenges." Join the talented LGA peer pool to help drive sector-wide improvement. https://orlo.uk/6dmWH

Build your confidence with data and performance management. This free virtual training on Weds 11 February covers how data is analysed and presented, what questions to ask, and how to measure what matters. Designed for councillors at all experience levels. Register: https://orlo.uk/qoiBf

Transformation in local government is about more than cutting costs. Cllr Wendy Fredericks shares how the LGA's Transformation Leadership Essentials course helped her lead meaningful change. Discover the support available for your council.👇 https://orlo.uk/P5Oyv

On #HolocaustMemorialDay, we remember all those murdered through Nazi persecution during the Holocaust, and in more recent genocides. #HMD2026 #LightTheDarkness

The Recruitment Reset Programme is a 12-week online personal and professional development programme designed to improve recruitment practices and tackle common challenges across #LocalGov. Applications to join close this Friday. Find out more and register now: lnkd.in/eFbdd8RQ

"Sometimes you're locked in that bubble and getting advice from someone outside can really help you press forwards." - Cllr Ryan Priest @DudleyMBC on why LGA peers matter. Share your unique experience - become a peer: https://orlo.uk/i0R4Z

Three quarters of the local government workforce are women. Join our free virtual session on Wednesday 28 January to learn how your organisation can better support menstrual health at work. Practical guidance on reasonable adjustments that aid recruitment and retention: https://orlo.uk/fQxkb

On Tuesday LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins visited Luton Council to meet Council Leader Cllr Hazel Simmons, Deputy Leader Cllr Javed Hussain and Chief Executive Mark Fowler, to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the borough, and the ambitious plans set out in their Luton 2040 vision.

How well does your authority connect performance, finance and risk information when making decisions? Join our free virtual session on Tuesday 27 January to explore emerging good practice from councils including Westminster, Wirral and High Peak. Register now: https://orlo.uk/pBv5O

Value for money is a key test for budgets under scrutiny. Our video explains what it means in practice. Explore here: https://orlo.uk/6X7ts

Join us on Tues 27 January for an inspiring session where you will hear from a CIPD employment relations expert and be the first to see the new employment relations self-assessment maturity model designed for local government. For HR professionals and senior managers: https://orlo.uk/bkTEk

LGA principal advisers draw on senior local government experience to help councils identify improvement needs, access tailored support, and connect with peers. Bespoke and practical support across leadership, finance, local government reorganisation and more. https://orlo.uk/T1s69

Supporting constituent councils within a mayoral combined authority context. This peer-led report sets out the skills, tools & support needed to work effectively in MCAs. Informed by 70+ leaders who understand the current challenges faced by the sector. https://orlo.uk/bQoxM

Cllr Anna Charles-Jones from Stockport Council on becoming an LGA peer: "I wasn't quite sure what I could offer, but once you're in that room, all the pieces fall into place." Your local government experience could help councils improve. Bring yourself. Find out more: https://orlo.uk/t33uS

The LGA provides tailored support to councils at every stage of local government reorganisation and devolution. From strategic planning to governance arrangements and peer challenge - contact your LGA regional team to discuss your needs: https://orlo.uk/LzDzc

Nico Heslop, Director (Local Government Finance) at MHCLG expressed the importance of engaging with the Local Government Finance Settlement consultation. The LGFS consultation closes on 14 January. 👇 https://orlo.uk/4APer

LGA Finance Conference - Nicola Morton, Head of Programmes (#LocalGov Finance) reinforced the need for member councils to share their settlement response with the LGA. This will ensure the LGA's response reflects the views and needs of members. 👇 https://orlo.uk/oc8R6

LGA Finance Conference - Shadow Minister for Local Goverment David Simmonds CBE MP says Section 114 notices are placing pressure on the sector.

Alison McGovern MP addressed the LGA Finance Conference to outline the action taken by UK Govt to support councils with local cost pressures.

It's the annual LGA Finance Conference. LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins welcomed the government’s commitment to a multi-year settlement, but stressed the need for increased funding to match real levels of need. She emphasised that investment in LocalGov is an investment in growth and opportunity.

As draft budgets are considered by elected members, understand the process of how these are set and monitored with our explainer video. Watch the video: https://orlo.uk/vuQX0

Today, we are launching a national recruitment campaign for local government. Hear Madi’s story on how her role in Digital and Technology makes a real impact. Find out more: https://orlo.uk/bLTyx #LocalGov #MakeADifference

Accessing key council data has never been easier. The LG Inform app puts 110 metrics across 11 topic areas at your fingertips - helping councillors and officers track performance and ask the right questions. https://orlo.uk/nlEsy

The LGA and District Council's Network are running a webinar on 22 January from 12.00 - 1.00pm, looking at how creating new unitary councils can be an opportunity to redesign and enhance Children’s Services. Book your place: https://orlo.uk/crsal

There’s still time to help shape the LGA & ADPH virtual Public Health Conference, 24–26 February 2026. We’re inviting organisations across the sector to share practice, policy or research by delivering a session. Submit your proposal by 14 January ⬇️ https://orlo.uk/l5Vuf

A huge congratulations to all of those on His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List, in particular the councillors and officers recognised for going above and beyond in local government and championing their communities.

Join us in London - Thurs 8 January - for the LGA Local Government Finance Conference 2026. Key sessions include the provisional settlement for 2026/27, Fair Funding Review 2.0, AI implementation for finance teams, and local audit reform. Register now: https://orlo.uk/HP9Pq

Happy Christmas from all of us at the LGA! A huge thank you to our council colleagues for your hard work this year. Your efforts make a real difference in local communities to drive positive change. #ThankYouLocalGov💜

🎉 Good news for young people leaving care! The Government has announced care leavers will receive free prescriptions, dental & eyecare up to age 25. This is a major win for #StepAhead, our campaign to cut the costs of leaving care. Our full response 👇 https://orlo.uk/8Nu1Y

"We went back to a council 12 months after their peer challenge. The work they've done has been amazing. They're delivering better for residents now. I think we've made a difference." - Cllr Sarah Bütikofer As critical friends, peers drive real improvement. Find out more: https://orlo.uk/ZQF6x

Our briefing on the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement is now available to read on our website: https://orlo.uk/2UWZv

Read our statement on the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement. Budget-setting will be hugely challenging for many councils again next year and an increase in overall funding remains needed to ensure sustainability of councils and local services. www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, responds to the launch of the NPPF consultation by MHCLG: www.local.gov.uk/about/news/n... #LocalGov #NPPF #PlanningPolicy

Financial sustainability should underpin every council’s medium-term plans. Our short video explains what this really means in practice. Watch here: https://orlo.uk/u7HhV

Council leaders – join our virtual data masterclass on 13 January 2026. Discover how better data use can: - transform public services - save money - improve outcomes. Places are limited, register today: https://orlo.uk/N8M8P

The LGA’s 2025/26 transformation programme supports local government to lead and deliver change. The offer includes peer and partner support, learning events, benchmarking tools and transformation support during local government reorganisation. https://orlo.uk/UY86H

Join us in London - Thurs 8 January - for the LGA Local Government Finance Conference 2026. Key sessions include the provisional settlement for 2026/27, Fair Funding Review 2.0, AI implementation for finance teams, and local audit reform. Register now: https://orlo.uk/kxxGn

Council leaders – join our virtual data masterclass on 13 January 2026. Discover how better data use can: - transform public services - save money - improve outcomes. Places are limited, register today: https://orlo.uk/9HuP4

Social Housing Peer Challenge supports improvement in the landlord services provided by stock-holding councils. It provides sector-led feedback on compliance, landlord service delivery, and where improvements can be made. Find out more: https://orlo.uk/OHjgj

We are thrilled that the One Public Estate team won Programme of the Year at the 2025 Civil Service Awards for Prisoners Building Homes – a powerful example of cross-sector collaboration, turning rehabilitation into regeneration. Find out more: www.civilserviceawards.com

Help shape the LGA & ADPH's virtual Public Health Conference, 24–26 February 2026. We’re inviting organisations across the sector to share impactful practice, policy or research by delivering a session at the event. Submit your proposal by 9 January ⬇️ https://orlo.uk/3avEu

Closing the ‘holiday experience gap’ is vital for children from low-income families. Our new findings show the HAF programme is improving wellbeing, confidence, healthy eating, attendance, and inclusion for children with SEND. 1/2

Speaking at a public committee session yesterday, Amanda Hopgood said SEND reform and home-to-school transport must be tackled together. Watch the full session: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/... Video: Parliament Live

The LGA and MHCLG are piloting a new leadership programme, ‘Learn, Adapt. Lead: Digital fluency for local government leaders', to help senior officers in non-digital roles within #LocalGov to confidently navigate service modernisation and responsibly harness #AI. www.local.gov.uk/about/news/l...

Ahead of the second reading of the English Devolution and Communities Empowerment Bill in the House of Lords today, we have published a briefing with our views and identifying areas of concern. You can read it in full here: www.local.gov.uk/parliament/b... #Devolution #LocalGov