Protecting councillors and other locally elected representatives from intimidation, harassment, and violence is essential to local democracy. Operation Ford is a new policing provision aiming to strengthen protective security and policing support for councillors, elected mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and candidates for those roles.
In September to October 2025, the Local Government Association sent an online survey to all English local councils. This survey gathered insights into local authorities’ approaches to digital inclusion, including how these intersect with connectivity challenges. The findings will inform how digital inclusion aligns with local government priorities and enables the LGA to effectively advocate for the sector and identify areas where support is needed. A total 83 local authorities responded to the survey, a response rate of 26 per cent.
Results of a survey of readers’ views on the LGA’s membership publications, first magazine, first online and the first e-bulletin. The survey sought feedback from readers on the publications’ current content and possible future developments.
Following the independent evaluation on the implementation of Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which highlighted the need for further research into Sanctuary Schemes, the Local Government Association (LGA), MHCLG and Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA) are working in partnership to understand how Sanctury Schemes are currently being delivered.
This second finance guidance note focuses on the importance of maintaining comprehensive and accurate financial records through local government reorganisation.
This report identifies the essential role that councils have to underpin inclusive growth, ensuring that our residents and businesses are central to providing that growth and benefit from the opportunities that growth brings.
This policy paper draws on programme impact studies and LGA roundtables with council officers who deliver free holiday provision funded by the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. In recognition of the announcement of a three-year funding extension for HAF, this paper sets out recommendations to support councils in shaping local practice and to inform the Department for Education’s development of refreshed guidance.
The government’s devolution agenda in England will change the landscape of how policing and crime is governed. New mayors, with multi-year funding and responsibility for a broad policy remit across their regions, are set to take on powers currently held by police and crime, and in some cases fire, commissioners.
Impact is the LGA’s flagship graduate development programme. It offers councils a unique opportunity to tap into a pipeline of talent and grow future leaders of the sector.
