Last year was another extraordinary one for local government – one of challenge, but also of real progress.
I want to thank you for everything you did in 2025, from the resilience you have shown to the innovations you have delivered.
At the LGA, members and officers have continued to champion the work that you do.
Through our sustained engagement with the Government and a new equal partnership via the Leaders Council, we have secured several long-standing wins and delivered further support for the whole sector.
Local and regional government received the first multi-year settlement in a decade, and we secured more than £1.4 billion to support prevention and reform in children’s social care, the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, and homelessness and rough sleeping services.
We continue to shape the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, a major step forward in putting power closer to local communities, and have already secured an amendment so that councillors no longer have to publish their home addresses.
Looking ahead to 2026, we know there is more change to come for the sector and the LGA.
Yet with every change comes opportunity: to shape national policy, to secure the resources the sector needs, and to support you – our members – in improving the lives of the communities you serve.
The collective purpose and strong cross-sector voice that saw us achieve so much together in 2025 stands us in good stead to navigate 2026 with that same sense of ambition, unity and confidence.
The LGA will be standing with you through local elections, further local government reorganisation and devolution, the Casey Review of adult social care, and the next steps in SEND reform, alongside all the other issues that matter for our people and places.
And, of course, we will keep making the case for the funding and powers you need to deliver for your communities, and help you on your improvement journey.