News

Leena Futter from Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk has been named as the 2026 Local Government Apprentice of the Year.

The Local Government Association has launched ‘Attracting investment for inclusive growth: A guide for councils’, to help local authorities engage more effectively with the private sector, curate their area and services to better support businesses, and attract investment and growth.

“Synthetic media and deepfakes are no longer abstract technological concepts, but real risks which councils are already beginning to face."

"Many councils are already introducing smoke and vape-free spaces, particularly play spaces, sports sidelines and school gates. National consistency across settings would help protect children, health and care patients, and non-users from harmful exposure."

"We support this focus on improving mental health care with a national strategy centred on prevention."

Following the local elections held on Thursday 7 May 2026, the LGA’s political proportionality has now been calculated and independently verified.

“Local government is at its best when it is empowered, properly funded, and recognised as an equal partner in delivering national reform. "

We’re delighted to welcome Jenny Rowlands who today joins the LGA as our Interim Chief Executive.

Once polling closes on 7 May, councils will begin counting votes and as the results emerge, LGA Research colleagues will analyse the outcome and see how the results may have impacted on the LGA’s political proportionality.

“For the SEND reforms to succeed, it is vital that children with SEND who require support receive this in a mainstream setting where appropriate."