Publications

Based on our analysis and discussions with local government, through a series of roundtable events, this paper sets out below six guiding principles to realise economic inclusion to employment and skills opportunities, and the key role we would like to see local government play.

We commissioned Shared intelligence (Si) to produce this guide explaining what local economic development (ED) services do for the communities they serve, why they are important, the challenges they face, and the skills and knowledge they will need in the coming years.

This guide considers the powerful benefits of community-owned leisure and sport assets offers to communities and councils. The national policy direction has been set. But what does this mean for communities and councils and how can the benefits be maximised for all?

Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) and Finance Peer Challenge (FPC) continue to be highly effective tools at the heart of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) sector support programme. The sector remains committed to them and this is demonstrated by the levels of take-up of the offer.

Councils are critical in preparing people and places to the impacts of the changing climate. As leaders in communities, they deliver hundreds of essential services to protect public health, manage roads, prepare for floods, and provide open space. Nationally we are not sufficiently prepared for the impacts of climate change, and central government must prioritise its work with local government to close this gap. This research report explores local authorities' preparedness for climate adaptation.

Councils are already showing high levels of commitment to support the UK’s targets, with over 300 councils having already declared a climate emergency. This report explores the ways in which councils can use their powers and influence to attract and stimulate a low carbon business base.

Strong relationships between councils and the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) are the bedrock of successful places. This toolkit aims to support councils on this journey. It builds upon research commissioned by the Local Government Association and conducted by Locality, into the state of strategic relationships between councils and their local voluntary and community sector.

The workbook for chairs / chairmen will equip those who are new in the role with all the tools and strategies necessary for chairing successful meetings and provide a refresher for those who are more experienced in the role. This resource is recommended to all councillors and aspiring chairs / chairmen.

Three focus groups made up of Economic Development Officers were held between December 2022 and January 2023 to explore how councils are working to improve equalities in employment and skills outcomes to encourage economic development for their communities. The groups aimed to develop understanding by capturing the thoughts and experiences of those working to advance this agenda.

This is the final report from an independent research study into T Levels and industry placements in councils in England. The research was commissioned by the LGA and undertaken by York Consulting LLP between January and March 2023.