Local Government Association (LGA)

Promotional graphic for a Smith Square Debates event titled “Local Government 2040: where did the future go?” Taking place 26 March, 5.00pm–7.00pm. Subtext reads: part of LG horizons, the LGA's futures programme supporting councils to think, plan and act with the future in mind.

Join us for a Smith Square Debate on Thursday 26 March, as we launch LG2040, the LGA’s bold new programme exploring what local government could look like 15 years from now. Find out more and book: https://orlo.uk/9Gcsz

#LocalGov #LG2040

Local government careers are far more varied than many people realise.

Behind every service is a wide range of professionals keeping communities running, from finance to planning, social care and beyond.

Hear more in this short video 👇
www.localcounciljobs.gov.uk/why-work-in-...

#NCW2026

As councils set approve their final budgets, stock-holding councils will also consider their Housing Revenue Account.

Learn the essentials in our explainer.

Watch here: https://orlo.uk/K9Pey

The LGA’s 2025/26 sector support offer helps local government attract new talent and build future leadership.

From the Impact graduate programme to national recruitment and the Be a Councillor campaign, we’re supporting the next generation of local government leaders.

https://orlo.uk/dCh7E

Young male professional working on laptop

Want to strengthen your council’s apprenticeship programme?

The LGA’s Apprenticeships Support Programme offers practical advice, webinars, toolkits, Apprenticeship MOT reviews and more 👇
www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...

#NCW2026

Promotional graphic for a Smith Square Debates event titled “Care where we live: what needs to change in local government for adult social care reform?” Taking place 24 March, 5.15pm–8.00pm. Speakers listed: Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Rt Hon Dame Patricia Hewitt DBE, Rt Hon Damian Green, and Richard Humphries. Venue: 18 Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ.

Join our Smith Square Debate: Care where we live: what needs to change in local government for ASC reform? This high-profile debate brings people connected to #AdultSocialCare together to consider the role of #LocalGov in a future reformed system. Full details at: https://orlo.uk/8ZLwl

Sign up for our first public health lunch and learn on men’s health strategy with Prof. Paul Galdas, adviser to @DHSCgovuk on Thursday 19 March at 12pm: https://orlo.uk/lztTw

#LocalGov #PublicHealth

Female hands typing with a laptop

Looking to strengthen your early careers offer?

Our Early Careers Toolkit provides practical guidance and resources to help councils engage with young people, and promote local government as a great place to work.

Explore it here 👇
www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...

#NCW2026

Purple promotional slide from the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health titled “Public health lunch and learn – From Thursday 19 March 2026.” Subtext reads: “A weekly lunch and learn series to showcase innovative best practice across the public health sector.”

Our weekly Public Health Lunch and Learn webinars start Thursday 19 March at 12pm. Explore the full programme and register now: https://orlo.uk/c6PJM

#LocalGov #PublicHealth

National careers week

It’s National Careers Week 2026! 🎉

We’ll be sharing insights, tools and opportunities throughout the week to showcase pathways into #LocalGov.

#NCW2026 website is also packed full of FREE resources for schools, employers and students 👇
www.nationalcareersweek.com

"Look objectively at the council you're challenging, but be very empathetic to their situation. Be frank about the issues so they have clear ideas on what to do next."

Cllr Laura Mayes from Wiltshire Council on effective peer challenge that helps councils thrive.

https://orlo.uk/EcdYf

A collection of books

This week, the Govt published a Schools White Paper, which proposes reforms to the SEND system. In the coming weeks, we’ll be working closely with our member councils to help shape a strong consultation response.

Read our full initial response/briefing: www.local.gov.uk/parliament/b...

Our 'Care Where We Live' campaign seeks your views to help shape ASC. If you receive adult social care support, or support someone who does, your experience matters. Find out more and take part: https://orlo.uk/tbGcM

#LocalGov #CWWL26 #ASC

Happy child sliding down slide

Yesterday on BBC The World This Weekend, Cllr Amanda Hopgood said SEND reform must create more mainstream places, backed by proper funding and support.

With the Schools White Paper now published, it must deliver for children and families.

Listen at 18:58:
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

School children playing with an ipad_0

We welcome the Government’s ambition for children with SEND to thrive in mainstream settings where appropriate.

Urgent reform is needed, and councils stand ready to ensure every child gets the support they need.

Read our full response ⬇️
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/s...

The LGA’s finance offer helps councils navigate the toughest financial challenges.

From peer-led challenge to strategic reviews, the LGA’s finance offer helps councils strengthen resilience, shape budgets and plan for the future.

https://orlo.uk/ej5Y9

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 Thursday 12 March for this free virtual session on scenario planning and best practice.

https://orlo.uk/9Vb9R

Today is #CareDay 🙌 Join us to show you care.

We want to show that there are many people who care about children and young people with care experience.

Find our how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/4aYZmNR

A group of teenagers.

On #CareDay, we’re highlighting our guidance to help councils strengthen support for care leavers through a whole-council approach.The advice encourages councils to work with local care leavers to shape and improve their offer:

Read more: www.local.gov.uk/publications...

"Being an LGA peer contributes to your personal development and political brand, while helping councils improve."

Cllr Nazia Rehman from Wigan Council on how peer work broadens horizons and provides cross-sector experience beyond your own authority.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/afagW

Aerial shot of Birmingham city centre

Safer Canvassing Principles .

Standing for election should never mean standing in harm’s way. The LGA’s Seven Principles for Safer Canvassing help councillors and candidates stay safe while engaging with the public.

https://orlo.uk/MCrPN

#DebateNotHate #LocalDemocracy

Graphic from the Local Government Association titled “LGR Toolkit – Supporting councils to deliver change.” The design features purple and teal geometric shapes on a light background, with logos for the UK Government (Funded by UK Government) and Local Partnerships at the bottom.

Don't miss the demo of our new LGR toolkit developed with @LP_localgov on Wed 4 March.

Browse the current resources and book your place on the demo here: https://orlo.uk/1d2rz

As council tax levels for next year are agreed, revisit how local funding works.

Our video explains the principles behind setting both council tax and business rates.

Watch the explainer: https://orlo.uk/avwJm

Bustling pedestrianised high street with busy shops and cafes

Did you know every police force now has a named contact for council security?

Under Operation Ford, Force Elected Official Advisers (FEOAs) provide security briefings and coordinate responses to safety concerns.

Read our Councillor Must Know guidance: https://orlo.uk/1ZOaE

Silhouette of people walking on Primrose Hil

Online abuse is not “part of the job”.
Join the LGA’s Handling Online Abuse and Intimidation for Councillors event.
📅 19 February | Online
⏰ 2.00–3.30pm

🔗 Book now: https://orlo.uk/0UcV4
#DebateNotHate

Graphic featuring colourful overlapping silhouettes of faces against a painted background, with the text: “Care where we live – Conversations about social care reform” and the Local Government Association logo.

Our 'Care Where We Live' campaign seeks views to help shape ASC reform. If you work in the sector or have lived experience in England, your insight can inform what #LocalGov feeds into the Commission.

Find out more and take part: https://orlo.uk/kfglh

#CWWL26 #ASC

Local government HR and legal professionals - join the LGA Annual Employment Law Update on Thursday 5 March. Darren Newman will cover the Employment Rights Bill and key cases, plus Green Book pay negotiations and reorganisation updates.

Register now: https://orlo.uk/AYxGf

Shoppers walking down busy London high stree

Online abuse and intimidation should never be part of public service.

Join the LGA’s Handling Online Abuse and Intimidation for Councillors online event for practical guidance and support.
📅 Thu 19 Feb
⏰ 2.00–3.30pm

🔗 Book now: https://orlo.uk/UN6GL
#DebateNotHate

The LGA Transformation Conference returns on Thurs 26 February.

Explore change management, resilience, local government reorganisation, AI and emerging technologies with peers and sector leaders.

A hybrid event with limited in-person places - book now:

https://orlo.uk/iFuWu

Cllr Dan Swords became the UK's youngest council leader at 22.

His LGA peer mentor helped Harlow Council become the second most improved council in the country.

"The best support you can have is from peers who go through what you're going through."

Become a peer: https://orlo.uk/RdjSH