In August 2024, the LGA sent an online survey to all councillors in England and Wales to investigate the extent to which they had experienced abuse or intimidation due to their councillor role.
This report details findings from the first LGA leaders pulse survey, revealing the views of 70 English council leaders. It provides a cross-sector view of how leaders feel, where they feel the most pride and optimism in their work, their views on key upcoming challenges and their wishes for the future.
This workbook has been designed as a learning aid for councillors. It can be equally used by those who have been recently elected. Or to reflect on aspects of your role even if you have been elected for some time. The workbook is a useful reminder of some of the key skills, approaches and tactics involved in neighbourhood and community engagement. Regardless of whether you are in control, opposition or a No Overall Control council.
Adult social care in all councils in England will be assessed by Care Quality Commission (CQC) before the end of 2025. This is the first such review for 15 years and is intended as an opportunity to celebrate the good work being done and how councils are addressing areas that they wish to improve. A similar CQC assurance process for Integrated Care Systems is being piloted currently and reviews of them all will also be completed by December 2025.
This framework is designed to support members and officers to take appropriate measures to gain assurance both of the performance of their authority’s services and of its corporate governance.
A review of the programmes that made up our sector support offer in 2023/24 and demonstrates the ways we supported councils to improve, develop leadership, make data-informed decisions, share notable practice, and – in so doing – build capacity and capability in local government.
The ascent of Independents and Green parties in the recent local elections is nothing short of breathtaking. Independents with Residents Associations gained 104 members and Greens increased by 74 members. In total, including the smaller parties, the group saw 464 members elected, a gain of 184 seats, on a par with Labour and leaving the Conservatives reeling with a loss of 474 seats.
Each council must take appropriate measures to gain assurance both of the performance of its services and of its corporate governance. This framework is designed to support local authorities to understand the various components of assurance and accountability in local government, and to access guidance and support to increase the effectiveness of assurance activities in the sector.
