The LGA’s annual conference kicks off next week in Liverpool.
The political and local government landscape has changed enormously since last October, when I attended my first LGA annual conference as Chair, in Harrogate.
Then, we were a week out from an Autumn Budget that provided £1.3 billion of extra funding for councils in the current financial year, but increased employer National Insurance contributions.
Now, we will be meeting at next week’s annual conference less than a month after the first multi-year Spending Review since 2021, which delivered on some key LGA ‘asks’ on behalf of our sector, but leaves all councils still under severe financial pressure.
In between, we have had the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, triggering ongoing work on local government reorganisation in two-tier areas, and, as first was going to press, we are expecting publication of an English devolution bill.
In addition to top speakers and great networking, I can promise you some big announcements at conference.
These include our latest survey of elected members on the abuse and intimidation they face when carrying out their democratic roles, which forms part of our ongoing Debate Not Hate campaign to encourage civility in public life (see www.local.gov.uk/debate-not-hate).
We will also be publishing findings from a peer-led research project on how councils can be effective members of combined authorities.
The LGA recruited a team of councillors and officers to carry out interviews with fellow council leaders and chief executives across all tiers of local government, and their report includes reflections and recommendations on devolution for the sector.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will also be launching our innovative LG Inform app, giving you quick and easy access to key and comparative data about your council (see www.local.gov.uk/lg-inform).
Conference is also a time for renewing political and personal friendships and networks, as well as for farewells and welcomes.
“Your ability to innovate and think creatively is truly inspiring, ensuring the hundreds of services your residents rely on are there whenever they are needed”
I want to pay a particular tribute to Cllr Marianne Overton, who is stepping down as Leader of the LGA’s Independent Group after 14 years. Marianne, you will be missed by us all, but I take comfort in knowing that you will always be on hand to offer us advice and guidance should we need it.
Consequently, we will be welcoming not one, but two new LGA group leaders – Marianne’s successor as LGA Independent Group Leader, and the Leader of our new LGA political group, representing Reform UK. Both will be announced at the LGA’s General Assembly.
I am very much looking forward to engaging with all colleagues in Liverpool, because every time we come together, I’m inspired and incredibly proud of everything our sector does to improve the lives of our residents.
This work couldn’t happen without you, the thousands of dedicated councillors and council officers who, despite persistent challenges, continue to navigate changes – from the local elections to the implications of the Spending Review – and to deliver for everyone, everywhere.
Your ability to innovate and think creatively is truly inspiring, ensuring the hundreds of services your residents rely on are there whenever they are needed.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a council leader, and more recently as Chair of the LGA, it’s that this vital work sometimes goes unnoticed, but deserves far greater recognition.
And that’s exactly what the LGA’s annual conference is here to do.
Next week’s plenaries and keynote sessions will shine a spotlight on the exceptional work happening in councils across the country.
This conference also creates a space – not least in its lively Innovation Zone (see p13) – for us to learn from one another, something at the very heart of what we do best.
As we move forward and look to the future, our job is to keep serving our communities in every way we can.
We are shaping sustainable neighbourhoods, driving investment, and delivering hundreds of services that improve the lives of local people.
The LGA will always be here to support you every step of the way.
See www.local.gov.uk/conference to find out more about the LGA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025, from 1-3 July in Liverpool, and to book your place
See you in Liverpool…
As local government faces some of the biggest changes to the sector in more than half a century, this year’s LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025, in Liverpool, comes at a pivotal moment.
Navigating these changes, councils confront increasingly complex community needs and inequalities, rising costs and static income, within a challenging economic landscape and an accelerating pace of technology that will transform how we all live, work and deliver services.
This gathering will help local government tackle these challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
With the right backing, tools and agency, councils can take a central role in prevention, public service reform and driving sustainable economic growth – cementing their place as the backbone of our country, working tirelessly to improve the lives and livelihoods of the residents they serve and support.
The 2025 conference and exhibition will bring together our sector and partners with a shared purpose to strengthen local government, so communities thrive.
It’s not too late to book your place, at www.local.gov.uk/conference. You can also download the conference app via the App Store or Google Play (search for ‘LGA events’).
If you are unable to join us, you can follow events on X using #LGAconf25, or online by visiting www.local.gov.uk.
In addition to councillors, elected mayors, chief executives and officers from across local government, this year’s conference speakers include:
- Kevin Hollinrake MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
- Cllr Vikki Slade MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government
- The Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, former Leader of the Green Party
- Steve Rotherham, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
- Florence Eshalomi MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
- Robin Tuddenham, President of Solace
- Kerry McCarthy MP, Minister for Climate
- David Simmonds CBE MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
- Rushanara Ali MP, Minister for Homelessness and Democracy
- Jess McGregor, President of ADASS
- Jo Bibby, Director of the Healthy Lives Programme, The Health Foundation
- Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council
- Lee Davies, Deputy Director of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Ed Harlow, Vice-President of the National Education Union
- Will Garton, Director General for Local Government, Growth and Communities at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Paul Marinko, Deputy Editor of The Municipal Journal
- Alex Norris MP, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth
- Gemma Marsh, Deputy Chief Executive of Skills England
- Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment
- Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, Minister for Border Security and Asylum
- Lord Khan of Burnley, Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement