About the LGA
Who are we?
The Local Government Association (LGA) is the national representative body for councils in England and Wales and is here to support, promote and improve local government.
We believe councils have a uniquely important role to play in improving public services and the communities in which people lead their lives. We are passionate about the role of locally accountable councils and councillors in re-energising the health of our democracy.
Local government is facing the most radical changes, as well as the most significant opportunities, in a decade. We fight local government’s corner and support councils through challenging times by focusing on our top two priorities:
• Representing and advocating for local government and making the case for greater devolution; and
• Helping councils tackle their challenges and take advantage of new opportunities to deliver better value for money services.
The LGA is an organisation that is led by its members. We are a political organisation because it is our elected representatives from all different political parties that direct the organisation through our boards and panels. However, we always strive to agree a common, cross- party, position on issues and to speak with one voice on behalf of the sector.
We aim to set the political agenda and speak in the national media on the issues that matter to council members.
The LGA covers every part of England and Wales and includes county and district councils, metropolitan and unitary councils, London boroughs, Welsh unitary councils, fire, police, national park and passenger transport authorities.
In addition to membership subscriptions, we receive central government funding to help improve the performance of local government. We work with local authorities and their partners to develop and share good practice. We do this through networks, online resources, and support from councillor and officer peers.
Based on feedback from councils and the political steer from the councillors in the LGA's political structures, we have committed to helping councils achieve six outcomes. These form the basis for our improvement support and the focus of our lobbying and policy development over the next four years:
• Local budgets and accountability;
• Strong political leadership;
• Improved local productivity
• Strong local economies;
• Improved local performance and value for money;
• Transformed workforce.
For more information about the LGA, our Business Plan and services, go to www.local.gov.uk