We work on behalf of councils to give local government a strong, credible voice with national government.
The LGA is the national membership body for local authorities. Our core membership is made up of English councils and Welsh councils through the Welsh LGA.
We are politically-led and cross-party and we work on behalf of councils to give local government a strong, credible voice with national government.
We aim to influence and set the political agenda on the issues that matter to councils so they can deliver local solutions to national problems. We fight local government’s corner, supporting councils through challenging times and focusing our efforts where we can have real impact.
We also provide membership services to other organisations through our associate scheme, including fire and rescue authorities, national parks authorities, town councils, police and crime commissioners and elected mayors of combined authorities.
Our vision for local government
Our vision for local government is one of a vibrant local democracy, where powers from Westminster are devolved to local areas, and citizens have a meaningful vote and real reason to participate in civic and community life.
A return to economic growth offers prosperity to every place, with well-targeted and planned investment in infrastructure, training and housing that leads to jobs and a supply of affordable homes.
Public services focus on preventing problems as well as picking up the pieces, delivering positive outcomes for people of all ages in an environmentally sustainable way. Joined up services are built around people and their needs, enhancing the lives of individuals, families and communities and continuing to make local areas better places to live now and for future generations
Our purpose and priorities
Our work on behalf of local government falls under two overarching themes:
- National voice of local government – we campaign to influence the political agenda and secure funding and powers on behalf of councils and we promote and defend the reputation of the sector
- Supporting councils - we support councils continuously to improve and innovate through our programme of practical peer-based support underpinned by strong local leadership, through our support for collective legal actions and through our service delivery partnerships.
Our business – underpinning our work on behalf of councils is an efficient, cost effective and forward-thinking business; we are politically led, committed to equalities and diversity and we aim to operate in an environmentally and financially sustainable way.
Our three-year rolling business plan sets out our key priorities and commitments and demonstrates how our work will contribute to the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).