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Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:  "The UK is one of the most fiscally centralised countries in the developed world so plans towards greater fiscal devolution are encouraging.

“These proposals represent a huge shake up to planning policy and we recognise the Government’s pledge to deliver more homes, better integrated with infrastructure and connected to jobs and amenities. However, to succeed, local government and its views must remain at the heart of planning and delivery."

A major new local authority public health improvement and support offer is to be led by the Local Government Association (LGA) over the next three years.

“Council employees have been offered a pay increase of 3.30 per cent from 1 April 2026.  For the lowest paid (currently earning £24,796 per annum), the offer means their pay will have increased since April 2021 by £7,282 (39.72 per cent). 

“Councils will be working at pace to navigate these changes whilst continuing to deliver vital services for their communities."

“The Government is right to focus on widening access to excellent culture and strengthening public confidence in an independent Arts Council England.

An LGA Spokesperson said: “Councils recognise the importance of integrated and better connected transport services for residents and to support local economies.   “They are already working hard to achieve this, working with their combined authorities where they exist and with private operators, as well as with new technology to bring about further connectivity benefits.    “It is helpful that the much anticipated refreshed Local Transport Plan Guidance has now been published and we hope that it will help more areas to achieve their vision for improved and better local transport provision.   “Suff

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Beecham, whose long career in local government included 55 years as a councillor in Newcastle and being instrumental to the setting up of the LGA as our first Chair. “He played a pivotal role in shaping the voice of local authorities and his leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service leaves an enduring mark on local government across the country. “The thoughts of all of us in local government are with his family, friends, and all those who had the

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched its Sector Support Programme for 2026/27.

Responding to the Government's latest Women's Healthcare strategy, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: “We support the ambition to put women’s voices and lived experience at the heart of healthcare.