communities - first magazine for councillors

montage of photos representing council services, including medic administering a covid vaccination and close-up of woman vaping (public health), residents clearing up streets after summer 2024 far-right disturbances (community safety), homeless person at bottom of steps in pedestrian subway, a local bus driving past a bus stop, a teacher working with a young pupil with Down Syndrome, and a care worker with tablet discussing care arrangements with an older woman

Challenge and change

by Councillor Louise Gittins

Local government’s resilience and agility will see us through 2025.

photo of LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins speaking from podium at LGA annual conference in Harrogate;

The best of local government

by Councillor Louise Gittins

Sharing our passion for serving our communities.

photo of members of the Middlesbrough community coming together to clean up their streets

After the riots

by Councillor Louise Gittins

Building community cohesion requires a long-term strategic approach.

Cross-party governance

by The Editorial Team

Elected members provide strategic direction to the LGA.

photo from behind of audience raising hands to clap a speaker, blurred in background

Making a difference

by The Editorial Team

Top tips for new councillors.

Leaders under challenge

by Councillor Abi Brown OBE

Local government faces existential threats like no other with council risk registers changing ever more frequently.

Inclusive approach to decision-making

by Councillor Marianne Overton MBE

Congratulations to our members currently standing in the local elections. In 107 local authorities and 11 mayoral authorities, polling is about to start.

graphic of mixed group of adults on comfy and colourful chairs and sofas sharing views with man with clipboard

Community engagement

by The Editorial Team

The LGA and partners have gathered examples of innovative practice.

Peer support

by Councillor Abi Brown OBE

The LGA’s member peers are a key part of our improvement offer.

Beefing up member peer support

by Councillor Kevin Bentley

The peer support package offered by the LGA continues to be the cornerstone of the sector support programme for our membership.