Beyond stability: the future of local government
With the draft Welsh budget and provisional local government settlement now published, we have a clearer picture of the landscape in which councils will be operating over the next year.
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Putting buses back in local hands
For decades, bus services have not been up to scratch, with services falling, routes slashed and fares rising.
Organising local bus services
Local leaders face a crucial choice about how bus networks are organised because of the new Bus Services Act 2025, which allows councils and combined authorities to adopt different delivery models. While that flexibility is welcome, it also demands careful, evidence-led decision-making.
Budgeting for care
Last month’s Budget coincided with the LGA’s National Children and Adult Services Conference, held this year in Bournemouth.
Delivering a fairer society for all
From day one of this Labour Government, ministers have been clear that fairness and fiscal stability is at the heart of our Plan for Change, and the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget represents a hopeful step for communities across the country.
Missed opportunity to reset council finances
This could have been a consequential period for local government finance.
Changes are better late than never
The Chancellor has finally decided to abolish the two-child benefit cap.
Preparing for the challenges ahead
As we look towards the LGA Independent Group Annual Conference 2026, our theme – ‘Resilience for councillors, community and place’ – could not be more timely.
Using our influence at the LGA
As we approach the end of the year, the LGA’s Reform UK Group – with only a few months under its belt – has carried out much of the good work it set out to do in September.
Championing rural futures
This year’s National Rural Conference was our biggest yet – four days of debate, learning and collaboration focused on the future of rural communities.