Cllr Chris Northwood went from activist to candidate to councillor, and still works part-time as a software developer. "Democracy is strongest when elected representatives represent the whole gamut of lived experience in our society." https://orlo.uk/xJtDq #BeACouncillor

Report warns: children in crisis. New PM must act. Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson: "Tragic that any child grows up in crisis. Councils need long-term funding." Read full LGA response to the State of the Nation report: www.local.gov.uk/about/news/c...

What makes you hopeful for 2040? We asked Caroline Star of School of International Futures at #LGAVoices. Those talks shaped The State of Things to Come, LG2040's first report. It explores forces shaping local government by 2040. Read the report:https://orlo.uk/5aNF3

Is benefits realisation getting lost between planning and delivery? Join the free LGA transformation roundtable on Monday 27 July to explore practical solutions with peers from across the country. Open to all English council officers - 2 hours on Microsoft Teams. Link below.

"Councils will work with the Prime Minister's government to tackle the biggest issues facing our communities" Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, LGA chair, speaks on Andy Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister. Read more: https://orlo.uk/5aUBS

"If you're not feeling uncomfortable, then we're probably doing something wrong." Shaheen Warren on why council leaders need to trust communities and share power genuinely. Watch the full interview on our new podcast LGA Voices: https://orlo.uk/KavQs

Councils across Wales deliver more than 700 services that people rely on every day. WLGA Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt reflects on the importance of strong local leadership, partnership with national government and building resilient communities. https://orlo.uk/0kJhn

"What's the split between commercial decision-making and paperwork? If you think that split is wrong, you need to do something about it." Belinda Stubbs on LGA Voices on freeing up procurement teams to focus on strategy. Watch the full interview: https://orlo.uk/pz2rT

The World Cup can be a busy time for many households and communities. If you need advice, information, or support, help is available 24/7 and can connect you with services close to home. https://orlo.uk/dimcT

Abuse and intimidation should never be accepted as part of being a councillor. Through our #DebateNotHate campaign, we're supporting councillors with resources, guidance and advocacy to help ensure they can serve their communities safely. https://orlo.uk/oHcR8

Free data skills webinars from the LGA this summer. Learn how to use LG Inform and LG Inform Plus for performance reporting, data analysis, and report building. Suitable for Performance Managers, Data Analysts, Business Intelligence/Strategy Leads. Link below.

With the LGA's Sector Support offer, there's free, expert support for every council and combined authority in England – from peer challenge and finance to planning, housing, cyber and more. Find out what support is available for your authority Link in comments.

Newly elected councillor in the North-West? Join the LGA in Manchester tomorrow, Thursday 16 July, for a free, practical session to help you settle into your new role. Cross-party speakers, peer networking, and hands-on learning. Register today, link in the comments.

What does it take to bring two councils together as one team? Chief executives from Dorset, Breckland, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, Brentwood and Rochford shared honest lessons on joint culture, political navigation, and ending well. #LGAConf26

Hertfordshire shared with the Innovation Zone how data, analytics, and AI are being used to identify carers earlier and provide support before crisis point. A practical example of predictive analytics improving outcomes in adult social care.

A session with Innovation Zone sponsor Newton on how multi-agency systems can keep families together through earlier, more connected support. What does genuine cross-agency working look like when it is functioning well?

Opening the Innovation Zone this morning with a session on redesigning services around prevention and early support. How do councils make the shift from crisis response to genuinely proactive models at scale? With Nottingham City, Eastbourne and Lewes, Essex and Wigan Council. #LGAConf26

"It's not just an environmental intervention, it's a social and economic intervention too." Central Bedfordshire at the Innovation Zone Spotlight on community energy. Barnet, Cornwall, and Bath and North East Somerset sharing how councils convene, connect, and enable.

Chief executives from Bristol, Essex, and Somerset are in the Innovation Zone sharing how they have led transformation and innovation while navigating significant uncertainty. Chaired by Darra Singh (Newton). @BristolCouncil | @Essex_CC

Standing room only in the Innovation Zone - accelerating proactive prevention at scale, bringing together councils, the LGA, Newton & DHSC. The central question: how do you move prevention from aspiration to consistent practice across a national programme? #LGAConf26

In the Innovation Zone now: councils and the Regulator of Social Housing on what inspection preparation and peer learning look like in practice. How are landlords using tenant insight to improve services from the inside out? #LGAConf26

Welcome to the #LGAConf26! We're delighted to be here in Bournemouth for the flagship event in the #LocalGov calendar. Over the next three days we'll be sharing highlights, conversations and inspiring examples of innovation from across the conference.

Resources for councillors visiting schools. Launched with @WLGA, @COSLA and @NILGA, our new pack aims to help councillors talk about their role and local democracy in education settings. https://orlo.uk/ouKGi

Have you explored the Innovation Zone programme yet? Sponsored by Newton, it covers AI, prevention, reorganisation, neighbourhood health, housing, social care and more at LGA Conference 2026. Don't miss out - Bournemouth, 7-9 July. https://orlo.uk/lPM0a

We're days away from #LGAConf26, the biggest local gov event of the year. Hear from speakers: - RT Hon Steve Reed OBE MP - Zack Polanski - Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP - Zöe Franklin MP - Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly TD VR MP - Cllr Hannah Dalton Find more information: https://orlo.uk/h5GVt

As the World Cup gets underway, support remains available for anyone who needs it. Whether you're looking for information, advice, or local services, confidential help is available around the clock. womensaid.org.uk/information-... #WorldCup2026 #LocalGov

Just one week to go before #LGAConf26 returns to Bournemouth For early risers, we've organised morning activities this year, including a scenic run along Bournemouth's seafront, a sunrise swim, or a gentle coastal walk to start the day. Register now: https://orlo.uk/zh1ll

Real councils. Honest lessons. Practical insights. The Innovation Zone, sponsored by Newton, at LGA Annual Conference 2026 covers prevention, AI, reorganisation, neighbourhood health, housing and more. Bournemouth, 7-9 July 2026. Book: https://orlo.uk/xLIB8

How can councils embed a culture of constructive debate? Our new resources help councillors test proposals, explore risks and consider different perspectives in decision-making. Download the councillor guide and model principles https://orlo.uk/1o8NM

As the World Cup gets underway, support remains available for anyone who needs it. Whether you're looking for information, advice, or local services, confidential help is available around the clock. https://orlo.uk/MXR1j