Publications

Our joint report with SOLACE and CIPFA makes the case for reforming council finances, focusing on the steps that need to be taken to help councils balance their annual books.

The LGA's submission provides a clear business case for increased investment, financial support and a package of measures to give our members more tools to help communities thrive.

This research report presents the findings from an online survey of chief finance officers conducted by the LGA in January 2025.

This guide is intended to provide a summary guide for chief executives on local authority capital expenditure. It is also hoped that the guide will be of use to other non-finance professionals in local government, including elected members.

This guide is for senior members and officers who contribute to their authority’s strategic planning, performance, finance and/or risk management.

In December 2025 to January 2026, the Local Government Association (LGA) distributed an online survey to the chief financial officers of English councils. The purpose of the survey was: to assess the financial position of councils in setting their budgets for the 2026/27 financial year; to gauge the likelihood of councils to need to apply for exceptional financial support (EFS); and to explore councils’ positions on a range of other financial topics, such as dedicated schools grant (DSG) deficits related to special