A silhouette of a hand placing a voting slip into a ballot box.
We are in the pre-election period for councils with elections in May 2026.
Our short guide provides advice and guidance on the publicity restrictions that should be observed by local authorities during the pre-election period: https://orlo.uk/zBq6T
A piece of paper with a cross on it representing a vote is being inserted into a purple voting box on a purple background.
Monday 20 April, is the last day to register to vote in the local elections.
Find out more and register 👇
https://orlo.uk/r2exE
Jenny Rowlands has been appointed as the LGA’s Interim Chief Executive.
Read about her appointment 👇
https://orlo.uk/2r6ik
The LGA Annual Conference returns to Bournemouth, 7-9 July 2026.
Three days for local government leaders to connect, debate and build lasting futures.
From neighbourhoods to nations.
Book your place today!
https://orlo.uk/kTT31
The LGA's Sector Support programme 2026/27 for local / combined authorities, funded by UK Govt, is live.
Responding to the evolving challenges and opportunities facing councils and combined authorities, and building on the areas of support our members tell us they value most.
https://orlo.uk/NLQPl
Meet Anya 🙌
After completing her Level 3 Accounting Apprenticeship, she stepped forward for Apprentice of the Year to grow her skills and connect with other apprentices.
Find out more about her story and apprentice of the year 👇
https://orlo.uk/XRwQP
Purple promotional slide from the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health titled “Public health lunch and learn Thursday 30 April 12-1pm" Subtext reads: What the data says about DPH and Consultant Capacity with NHS England and DHSC
How can local government and public health teams futureproof their workforce planning? Join us for a public health lunch and learn session on Thursday 30 April to find out. Find out more and book your free place: https://orlo.uk/wlp8N
#PublicHealth #LocalGov
Libby, a Level 3 HR Support Apprentice, pushed herself out of her comfort zone at Apprentice of the Year, and ended up winning Team of the Year 🏆
Find out more about Libby's story and join this years #LGApprentice2026: https://orlo.uk/81hqA
Purple promotional slide from the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health titled “Public health lunch and learn Thursday 23 April" Subtext reads: Reaching the unreached: Using social relationship networks to address health inequalities
Join us on Thursday 23 April for our public health lunch and learn session titled: Reaching the unreached - using social relationship networks to address health inequalities. Find out more and book your free place at: https://orlo.uk/IMMpo
#PublicHealth #LocalGov
Testing skills, growing talent 🙌
Jessica-Marie, one of this year’s runners-up, said the Apprentice of the Year event was “a great test of vital skills that all council employees should have”
Check out Jessica's story:
https://orlo.uk/bRn4J
Man building a pyramid out of wooden blocks. The first 5 blocks have a tick. The top block has the outline of a government building, block symbolising governance.
Effective decision-making is central to good governance, but process matters as much as the outcome.
Our new guidance helps councillors approach decisions transparently, within their legal framework and constitution, reducing the risk of legal challenge.
https://orlo.uk/2ZZV5
From neighbourhoods to nations. Building lasting futures locally.
The decisions made in council chambers ripple into people's everyday lives. This July, the people shaping those decisions meet in Bournemouth.
Secure your place at the LGA Annual Conference, 7 to 9 July 2026.
https://orlo.uk/nSB4W
There's one week left to register for the Recruitment Reset Programme, a 12-week development course designed to strengthen #LocalGov recruitment practices.
Listen to Debs Roscoe from @kirkleescouncil.bsky.social outline the benefits she got from it.
Register now: www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
Rekekah speaking to an audience at the Smith Square Debate event.
Panel discussion with speakers at the Smith Square Debate on Local Government 2040.
Thank you to all who joined our #SmithSqDebate Local Government 2040: Where Did the Future Go?
An insightful discussion on innovation and the conditions needed for sustainable change in #LocalGov.
Learn more about LG Horizons: www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
The new edition of first is now live.
Inside:
• Our response to the Schools White Paper & SEND consultation
• Warning the temporary accommodation funding gap could hit £4bn by 2030
• A call to review fly-tipping fines
• Councillor pensions
Read it here: https://orlo.uk/xtx4i
We’ve joined partners across #LocalGov to back a joint Sector Statement on Civility in Public Life, building on our shared commitment to tackle abuse in public life.
Challenge is part of democracy. Abuse is not.
Read more 👉https://orlo.uk/7pncm
Save the date: 7 to 9 July 2026, Bournemouth.
The LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition is the must-attend event for leaders, elected members, chief executives and senior colleagues from the voluntary and business sectors.
Register your place now.
https://orlo.uk/y7Dtu
The Recruitment Reset Programme is a 12-week online development course designed to improve recruitment practices across local government.
In this video, Tracy Bell from Barnsley Council reflects on the benefits of taking part.
Find out more: www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
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/usdp9
#LocalGov #LG2040
Person holding gray desk calculatoR
From 11 May, all eligible elected members in England can join the Local Govt Pension Scheme, an important step in recognising the growing demands of the role.
Read in this month's edition of First Magazine: https://orlo.uk/0J2nr
From neighbourhoods to nations. Building lasting futures locally.
Leaders, elected members, chief executives and colleagues from charities and business come together in Bournemouth, 7 to 9 July 2026, to shape what comes next for local communities.
Register now.
https://orlo.uk/TpkLH
"Every council has great practices. The sharing of those benefits me. I'd encourage anybody to be a member peer. There's lots of training to help you do it really well."
Cllr Bridget Smith on her role as LGA peer, bringing brilliant ideas back to her own council.
Learn more: https://orlo.uk/ApWOP
Our Finance Unpacked animations break down the fundamentals of #LocalGov finance.
From budget setting to use of reserves, it's the perfect tool for councillors and officers who want to build their financial knowledge.
https://orlo.uk/9GRGF
Male care worker showing ID to elderly man at his front doo
Our 2025 Employer Standards survey shows progress for social work across England, as social workers report feeling valued and supported by managers. #SocialWorkWeek2026
But challenges remain we're publishing resources to help employers take action
🔗 www.local.gov.uk/publications...
The biggest event in the local government calendar returns this summer.
Join leaders, chief executives and senior colleagues in Bournemouth, 7 to 9 July 2026, to discuss the issues shaping local government.
From neighbourhoods to nations. Building lasting futures locally.
https://orlo.uk/RpDLf
SocialWorkWeek2026
To celebrate #SocialWorkWeek2026 we are joining
@socialworkengland.bsky.social and attending a variety of sessions during the week.
Sessions include professional practice, learning and development, and the future of social work.
Join here: www.socialworkengland.org.uk/social-work-...
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/ZDzHk
#LocalGov #LG2040
Purple promotional slide from the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health titled “Public health lunch and learn on Thursday 2 April 12-1pm" Subtext reads: Shaping the future of public health skills and knowledge with DHSC
Join our third public health lunch and learn on Thursday 2 April at 12pm: Shaping the Future of Public Health Skills and Knowledge with DHSC. Find out more and book your free place: https://orlo.uk/zpMEF
#PublicHealth #LocalGov
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/3QwV1
"I get the benefit of learning from other councils and taking that back to my own."
Cllr Wayne Davies on how being an LGA peer has helped him connect with councillors nationwide and discover innovative practices to bring home.
Become an LGA peer: https://orlo.uk/vvoJ8
