News

The Local Government Chief Executives’ Development Framework has been drawn up by the LGA and Solace, in partnership with more than 100 chief executives, councillors and other key stakeholders

The number of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receiving support from councils has reached a record high, new figures published today reveal. Councils issued 84,428 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which set out the provision of SEND support for each person, in 2023 – an increase of 26.6 per cent on the previous year. The number has risen each year since 2014. As of January 2024, there are now 575,963 children and young people with an EHCP. Requests for an assessment have also increased by 20.8 per cent since the previous year. The Local

“Our Local Government White Paper calls for more support for unpaid carers and a renewed focus on prevention and it is crucial that whoever forms the next government should work to support them to continue their vital role."

"Local government’s offer to the next government is huge. Respect us, trust us and fund us. By working together as equal partners, we can meet the fundamental long-term challenges facing our communities.”

New figures today reveal a rise in sexually transmitted infections, underlining the need for whoever forms the next government to launch a new 10-year sexual health strategy.

A new improvement and assurance framework, designed to help councils check that they have the right controls in place and identify where they need to become more effective, has been published by the LGA.

The LGA Board has taken the difficult but necessary decision to not proceed with the LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition due to take place in Harrogate from 2-4 July 2024.

Sara Jenner-Akehurst from Cambridgeshire County Council has been named as the 2024 Local Government Apprentice of the Year.

“This election comes at a pivotal time for the country. Securing the future of our public services must be front and centre of all political party manifestos.”

A new improvement and assurance framework for local government is due to be reviewed by LGA members ahead of publication as a new resource for the sector.