New year, new opportunities
Last year was another extraordinary one for local government – one of challenge, but also of real progress.
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Scrutinising devolution in the Lords
I would like to wish everyone across the local government family a prosperous 2026 and congratulate all those in the sector who were recognised for their efforts in the New Year Honours List – in particular, the former Leader of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Martin Tett, who has been made a CBE.
Progress on fair funding
Let me take the opportunity in this first first magazine of 2026 to wish all LGA member councils a very happy new year.
Ready for more gains in May
Last year, the Liberal Democrats won the most council by-elections across the UK.
An honest and balanced partnership
As we enter 2026, local government faces a year of significant change.
Election delays damage public confidence
The past year has been unsettled for local government.
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.
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.