New, enhanced improvement tools and a wider range of councillor-focused transformation support are among the additional offers in the LGA’s 2024/25 Sector Support programme.
The programme, funded by central government, aims to support local authorities – including combined authorities – to harness opportunities, drive improvement across all regions, and deliver critical services to communities.
This year’s offer includes the LGA’s strengthened Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) approach and an expanded range of officer and councillor development opportunities, including for statutory officers.
The LGA will introduce a significant new foundation programme for newly appointed chief executives, following a successful pilot in 2023/24.
And a wider range of councillor-focused transformation support will help elected members to develop the necessary skills for change, while continuing to focus on core aspects, such as targeted finance and workforce support.
With the 2 May elections looming, support will continue to be delivered for councils experiencing changes in political leadership or control.
Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “We are delighted to launch this year’s Sector Support programme for councils, which has been informed by councils.
“Peer-led support remains a cornerstone of the programme – no-one understands local government better than local leaders and councillors, chief executives and senior officers, who are uniquely equipped to provide advice and support.
“Given the scale of challenges facing the sector, now more than ever it is critical that councils have access to the support they need.”
See ‘Challenge and change’ for more on the LGA’s Sector Support programme for local authorities.