What's Happening?
The Local Government Association (LGA) has introduced its Sector Support Programme for the 2026/27 period, aimed at providing comprehensive, government-funded assistance to local and combined authorities across England. This initiative is designed to address
the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by councils, focusing on strengthening governance, financial sustainability, and workforce capacity. The programme includes development opportunities for councillors and officers to help them navigate increasing complexity and demand pressures. Additionally, the LGA is investing in high-quality research and data to enable evidence-based decision-making and performance demonstration. The programme also features an enhanced benchmarking platform, LG Inform, which offers access to over 12,500 local-level performance metrics. The LGA's Corporate Peer Challenge programme has been further developed to support councils undergoing reorganization and to reflect the needs of combined authorities.
Why It's Important?
This programme is significant as it provides essential support to local governments in England, helping them manage the complexities of governance and service delivery in a rapidly changing environment. By focusing on governance, financial sustainability, and workforce capacity, the LGA aims to equip councils with the tools needed to effectively serve their communities. The programme's emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and performance metrics supports transparency and strategic planning, which are crucial for maintaining public trust and accountability. Furthermore, the initiative addresses emerging issues such as political transitions and employment law reforms, ensuring that councils are prepared for future challenges. This support is vital for local authorities to continue delivering essential services and to adapt to new policy landscapes.
What's Next?
As the programme rolls out, local authorities will engage with the LGA's various support offerings, including the Corporate Peer Challenge and regional sector support. The LGA will continue to gather feedback from councils to refine and adapt the programme to meet their evolving needs. With local elections approaching, the LGA's regional teams and expert member peers will provide support to members and officers during periods of political change. Resources for councillors, including those in new or senior roles, will be available through the LGA Councillor Hub. The programme will also focus on areas such as sustainability, cyber security, and digital transformation, helping councils respond to emerging risks and opportunities.
