LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025
Thank you to everyone who took part in the LGA’s annual conference in Liverpool and contributed to an incredibly thought-provoking and invigorating three days.
The Editorial Team
Councils face difficult decisions
Spending Review delivers on some key LGA asks, but severe financial pressures remain
SEND override to continue as LG funding consultations published
A workaround allowing councils with responsibility for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to balance their books will continue after March to 2028, the Government has confirmed.
Uttlesford District Council enhances efficiency and boosts morale with Idox Insights – LGA Advertorial
Effective resource management is one of the biggest challenges facing councils. Recruiting and retaining professional expertise is vital to meet the needs of local communities but today at least eight out of 10 planning departments are short of staff.
Sentencing report ‘does not reflect councils’ role’
A major report on sentencing does not appreciate the significant role councils play in managing risk and supporting offenders outside custody, the LGA has warned.
Councils ‘struggling to recruit’ key staff
Almost every council in England continues to struggle to recruit and retain key frontline staff, including children’s and adults’ social workers, according to an LGA workforce survey.
New report urges reform of SEND system
The LGA says more children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should get the care and support they need in schools and other mainstream settings without the need for a statutory plan.
‘Boost OT numbers to meet health goals’
Increasing the number of occupational therapists working in councils would help meet government health goals, a new report by the LGA says.
More powers to reclaim sites from developers
Housebuilders will have to commit to delivery timeframes before they get planning permission, and submit annual reports to councils showing their progress, under new rules to ensure homes with planning permission are built out.