Local Government Association

We are the national voice of local government, working with councils to support, promote and improve

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Chris Poulton MRTPI, Environment Agency

The work I have always found most rewarding is delivering public good – whether that’s working on policies that will have a real impact on speeding up delivery of new infrastructure, delivering a programme to improve capabilities in local authorities, or in government agencies, or setting targets for new homes.

Shaza Brannon MRTPI, Rushcliffe Borough Council

Working in local government is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling; it can be a career for life and is not limited geographically. As local authority town planners, we perform a statutory function, tangibly shaping the place in which we work, for the benefit of our residents now and for future generations.

Dan Janota MRTPI, Natural England

I find it rewarding bringing my technical knowledge and experience to big picture thinking and my experience means I can put myself in local authority planners’ shoes as we reshape how we deliver nationally.

Rhianna Pankhurst, The Planning Inspectorate

What has kept me in the public sector is the sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes. I value being part of a system that aims to balance growth with community needs and long-term sustainability.

Chris King, CMLI, East Suffolk Council, June 2026

I enjoy having the ability to make a tangible difference to places and communities. We have a unique opportunity to influence how neighbourhoods evolve, helping to balance growth, environmental considerations and community needs. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding, with no two days ever being quite the same.

Research and data – 2022/23 highlights

Our Better Use of Data programme supported councils to recognise the value of data, make good use of it in decision-making, bring better outcomes for residents and businesses, and enable efficient working across services.

Workforce and HR support – 2022/23 highlights

Our Workforce and HR programme supported councils as employers as they faced workforce challenges and uncertainty, where new and increasing demands on our workforce brought challenges and opportunities.

Doctor Caroline Culen: Austria - our children in crisis

This is an independent article from Mag.a Dr.in Caroline Culen, PhD, Clinical and Health Psychologist, CEO, Austrian Children’s Health League, part of the LGA children and young people's mental health think piece series. The piece explores the mental health situation for children in Austria.

Inclusive Fire Service Group Statement

The Inclusive Fire Service Group (IFSG), an NJC led sector wide body for the UK fire and rescue service has reaffirmed its commitment to its original terms of reference, alongside a renewed focus and determination to support and promote the development of positive culture and inclusive behaviours in the service.