Briefings and responses

The SEND system is in crisis, with record investment failing to improve stagnant or declining outcomes for children and young people. The persistent academic gap between pupils with identified SEN and their peers underscores that urgent and unavoidable reform is needed. Any effective national pathway to work must therefore be founded on a reformed, integrated, and locally led support system that enables positive futures.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is proposed legislation that represents the most significant update to UK cyber law in years.

The LGA Safer and Stronger Communities Committee has submitted a response to the Government’s consultation on giving mayors and councillors access to the Local Government Pension scheme, supporting proposals for councillors to have the right to access the pension scheme going forward.

This briefing covers the consultation for the provisional settlement for 2026/27, and the provisional settlements for 2027/28 and 2028/29.

Research commissioned by the LGA and partners at the National Federation of Almo’s (NFA), Charted Institute of Housing (CIH), Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH), and Councils with Almo’s Group (CWAG) looks at social housing providers preparation for Awaab’s Law and issues of no access.

We welcome the Budget announcement that the Government will absorb SEND costs from 2028/29. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficits, however, represent a substantial ongoing fiscal risk to councils in the absence of a plan to address them when the statutory override ends in 2027/28.

This briefing includes LGA views and identifies areas of concern to our members ahead of the second reading of the Bill in the House of Lords on 8 December 2025.

The ambition for a joined-up, high-quality skills system supporting young people, including those who are not in education, employment or training, employers, and local economies is welcome. We value the Government’s commitment to engage on the reforms with local government and sector partners to ensure they are practical, inclusive, and responsive to local needs.

A summary of the key announcements for councils in the 2025 Autumn Budget and the LGA's initial view.

This briefing provides the LGA view on relevant amendments tabled ahead of the Commons Report Stage.