As we enter 2026, local government faces a year of significant change.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is progressing through Parliament, the Planning and Infrastructure Act has gained Royal Assent, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform remains high on the agenda.
Debate also continues around the timing of local elections.
We now have greater clarity on our financial position for 2026/27 to 2028/29 with the provisional local government finance settlement.
A multi‑year settlement is, of course, welcome, and the ambition for stability and bringing funding closer to local need is laudable.
“Financial resilience is not built on funding alone”
However, financial resilience is not built on funding alone. It depends equally on strong local leadership, constructive dialogue and close partnership working with our communities, so that solutions reflect real local insight and experience.
We also need an honest and balanced partnership with central government.
At the end of December, I attended my first local-central government Leaders Council, alongside fellow LGA group leaders, the LGA’s chair, and the chairs of key special interest groups, including the District Councils’ Network and the County Councils Network.
I found the discussion encouraging, with Secretary of State Steve Reed engaging openly as I raised key issues around devolution and local government reform.
There is much ahead in 2026 for you, our members – and I, the Independent Group leadership and group office are here to support you throughout.