Local Government Association (LGA)

That's a wrap on #LGAConf26! A huge thanks to everyone who attended, connected, shared ideas, and helped make this year's conference such a success. It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to collaborate, learn, and shape the future of #LocalGov See you in 2027!

"There's definitely an opportunity to learn something new" said Cllr Peter Mason, Chair of the LGA Improvement Committee, reflecting on three days of Innovation Zone sessions at #LGAConf26. From AI to social care to community energy, #LocalGov is delivering.

"Councils have long called for an end to vapes being dressed up like sweets and sold within arm's reach of the pick and mix..." Read our response to @DHSCgovuk's plans to crackdown on vapes targeting children.⬇️ local.gov.uk/about/news/cra…

At our last day at the #LGAConf26, Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly TD VR MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, highlighted the importance of decisions being made locally, with councils working with the communities they serve.

How are councils adopting and scaling AI? Today in the #LGACon26 Innovation Zone, the discussion highlighted that successful AI adoption is built on strong foundations, including ethics, data protection, tackling bias, and developing digital skills. #LocalGov #AI

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

We caught up with Zöe Franklin MP, Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson, at #LGAConf26. She highlighted the importance of councils working in partnership with residents, describing #LocalGov as being "at the coalface", delivering for communities every day.

"Places become prosperous because they create opportunity - because people choose to live their lives there. That should be the purpose of devolution. Giving every part of the country the chance to become stronger in its own right." 2/2 #LGAConf26 #Devolution

The Rt Hon Sir @JamesCleverly MP addresses the LGA Conservative Group this morning with a focus on devolution. 1/2

At #LGAConf26, Cllr Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the LGA Reform UK Group, says stronger communities are built when councils and residents work together. He highlights the importance of councils being rooted in the communities they serve.

At #LGAConf26, LGA Independent Group Leader, Cllr Hannah Dalton, explains why engaging residents and learning from lived experience is key to building resilient communities. She also highlights the outstanding work councils deliver every day, often with fewer resources.

We caught up with Cllr Emily O'Brien, after the Green plenary at #LGAConf26, to discuss how strong communities don't happen by accident. They are built through collaboration, local leadership and a relentless focus on the people councils serve.

“Councils’ role as convenors of people and communities can help maximise input into the Casey Commission’s Big Conversation.” Read our response to Baroness Casey's announcement at #LGAConf26 of a national public consultation on adult social care: orlo.uk/afFGl

LGA Chair, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, talks about some of the biggest challenges facing the sector, from securing sustainable funding for #LocalGov and addressing homelessness to Local Government Reorganisation and the future of public services.

What connections do we need to strengthen to build lasting futures locally? That's the question being visualised through our sketch artist, from delegates ideas and conversations at #LGAConf26.

@hertscc An important point raised in the session: technology enables earlier identification, but the human response still determines whether intervention is effective. Data gets you to the door; relationships matter once you are there. #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. #LGAConf26 @hertscc

@wiltscouncil @worcscc @educationgovuk Strong emphasis in this session on designing systems with families rather than for them. Shared data, aligned thresholds, and trusted relationships between teams are emerging as the foundations of effective practice. #LGAConf26

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? #LGAConf26 @wiltscouncil | @worcscc | @educationgovuk

“Education has been one of my greatest passions. Every child is capable of achieving more than they believe themselves. A modern education system should stretch every child to achieve their best, creating opportunities for children to fulfil their potential.” @SuellaBraverman 2/2

Up next, we have Reform UK's Cllr Stephen Atkinson, @Ben_Bradley_32 and @SuellaBraverman. 1/2