features - first magazine for councillors

Sir James Cleverly, Shadow Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government, addressing the Conservative Party Conference against a blue backdrop with a union flag behind him

Certainty and freedom

by Sir James Cleverly TD VR MP

Conservatives trust local leadership.

photo of Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, applauding during a question-and-answer session, against an orange backdrop

Celebrating local successes

by Councillor Joe Harris

Lib Dem council seats increase for seventh year.

photo of panel discussion at the Reform UK Conference featuring (l to r) Cllr Ian Cooper (Staffordshire), Cllr George Finch (Warwickshire), Cllr Linden Kemkaran (Kent) and Cllr Stephen Atkinson (Lancashire), against a turquoise backdrop

The next step

by Councillor Atkinson Stephen

Communities have the right to decide their own future,

three photos of illicit cigarettes and vapes seized by Durham County Council, copyright Durham County Council

Illicit tobacco

by Councillor Dr Wendy Taylor and Lord Michael Bichard

The market is shrinking but remains a local threat.

wide shot of diverse group of Birmingham residents sat at conference tables listening to a speaker (out of shot), copyright Birmingham City Council

Opening the doors to democracy

by Councillor Jane Scullion

Birmingham’s ‘Be a Councillor’ sessions.

photo of mix of seated delegates mainly in suits looking towards speaker; graphic of cartoon figures from behind, seated and looking a conference speaker

A local voice at party conferences

by The Editorial Team

Clay Cross Active: A Flagship Community Hub Driving Health, Wellbeing and Regeneration in North East Derbyshire

by The Editorial Team

In July 2025, the doors of Clay Cross Active, a revolutionary new leisure and wellbeing hub, opened for the first time in Derbyshire. The £26.3m project acts as a blueprint for local authorities wishing to embrace the co-location of health, social, and wellbeing services, and is set to transform the lives of the local community it has been tailored to serve.

a building with an announcement saying 'Office building available now'

Permitted development rights

by The Editorial Team

The LGA wants to end unplanned office-to-residential conversions.

Party conferences

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