Local Government Association

Newly elected councillors in London - this one is for you.

Join us on Wednesday 17 June for a regional welcome event hosted by the LGA.

Funded by the UK Government, the session will introduce the support available to you as a councillor, cover key issues facing the sector, and give you the chance to connect with peers through Q&A and networking.

The event is hybrid: join us in person at 18 Smith Square, Westminster, or online via MS Teams.

Register here: https://orlo.uk/bfK8r

The LGA has today published a new toolkit for disabled councillors, co-produced with disabled councillors and council officers who are part of the Local Government Disability Champions Network - shaped entirely by the experiences and priorities of the network.

The toolkit covers rights under the Equality Act 2010, what good council support looks like in practice, and how to access help if existing arrangements are not working. It also signposts Access to Work, a government scheme that many disabled councillors are unaware they may be eligible for.

The guide is suitable for newly elected or experienced councillors - you do not need a formal diagnosis or to identify as disabled to find it useful.

Disabled councillors bring experience and perspective that strengthens local democracy. This toolkit exists to make sure all councillors have support to do the role fully.

Read it here: https://orlo.uk/qto6I

The LGA's housing and homelessness hub is your one-stop-shop for resources, briefings, case studies and support.

Councils are also working tirelessly to develop innovative approaches to tackling homelessness – building partnerships to prevent homelessness, identifying new sources of temporary accommodation, and supporting individuals and families at risk.

Housing and homelessness hub Councils across the country are at a critical point in their efforts to tackle the twin crises of housing and homelessness. This online hub highlights good practice in the delivery of affordable housing and tackling of homelessness.

What if your street, your local repair cafe, or your community swap shop was part of something bigger?

Neighbourhoods are where circular economy action really happens, and councils have a powerful role in making it thrive. The session, small places, big impact: neighbourhood action for a circular economy, at the LGA Annual Conference shares real examples of councils using their place-shaping powers to support grassroots action on reusing, repairing, and reducing waste.

Speakers Professor David Greenfield from Circular Economy Institute and David Taylor from Greater Manchester Combined Authority will explore how councils can build on what is already working, strengthen community-led initiatives, create local jobs, and build community resilience in the process.

From neighbourhoods to nations, building lasting futures locally.

Join us in Bournemouth, 7-9 July 2026. View the full programme and book your place: https://orlo.uk/LQXcz

The Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, will join us for a conference plenary at 10:30 on 9 July during

The conference theme, ‘From neighbourhoods to nations – building lasting futures locally’, will showcase how local action drives national impact - from neighbourhood services and community leadership to devolution, growth and public service reform.

Book your place and view the full programme: https://orlo.uk/p3bCe

Image: James Cleverly ©House of Commons/Laurie Noble

New to your role as a councillor? Understanding how your council works is one of the most important foundations you can build.

The LGA is hosting a free virtual event on Wednesday 17 June 2026, giving newly elected councillors a practical introduction to local government governance.

Funded by UK Government and facilitated by Heather Wills, Assistant Director of Corporate Programmes at the LGA and an LGA Member Peer with experience of senior political leadership. The session will cover:

- how decisions get made in councils
- councillor and officer roles and responsibilities
- the mechanisms and processes that keep your council safe from legal challenge and failure
- learning from recent failures in public bodies and how to spot warning signs in your own council.

Open to all councillors and particularly recommended for those newly elected, this webinar will give you the knowledge and confidence to play your full part in governing your council effectively.

The event takes place on MS Teams and is free to attend.

Register now: https://orlo.uk/rjJDD

The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will be joining us at the opening plenary at .

From neighbourhoods to nations, building lasting futures locally.

Join us in Bournemouth, 7-9 July 2026. Book your place and view the full programme: https://orlo.uk/hhtXD

Steven Reed ©House of Commons