Local Government Association

HMRC official statement: Treatment of councillors in a local authority payroll apprenticeship levy

Corporate Peer Challenge provides robust, strategic and credible challenge and support to local authorities through the use of member and officer peers.

We offer a wide range of leadership, training and development opportunities to support councillors and council officers in their roles. Our offer to councils provides tools and support to enhance council leadership, skills and capacity, including through our programmes which develop the local government workforce and attract new talent to the sector.

Effective procurement, underpinned by commissioning, has never been more important for local government. Increasing demand for public services and decreasing resources are driving councils to improve productivity and efficiency to deliver better outcomes for local people.

Finance support and resources for local and combined authorities

Debs Harkins, Director of Public health at Calderdale Council reflects on Calderdale’s decade long journey to build neighbourhood health through strong relationships, community anchors and integrated local teams. She describes how a democratic, place based and prevention focused approach is improving outcomes, reducing inequalities and embedding health and wellbeing in the everyday lives of communities.

Good governance is integral to effective local and combined authority performance.

Feedback report: 15 January 2026