The Local Government Association has launched its Sector Support Programme for 2026/27, providing comprehensive, government‑funded support to local authorities and combined authorities across England.
The wide‑ranging programme has been designed to reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities facing councils, while continuing to deliver the areas of support that local government leaders say they value most.
At the heart of the 2026/27 offer is targeted support to help councils strengthen governance arrangements, financial sustainability, and workforce capacity and capability.
Alongside this, the programme provides development opportunities for councillors and officers, helping local leaders navigate growing complexity, demand pressures, and reform agendas.
The LGA continues to invest in high‑quality research and data, enabling councils to make evidence‑based decisions and demonstrate performance.
Its award‑winning benchmarking platform LG Inform now provides access to:
- Over 12,500 local‑level performance metrics
- A new report bringing together all available measures aligned to the Local Outcomes Framework
This enhanced data offer supports transparency, peer comparison, and strategic planning at local and regional levels.
Comprehensive regional sector support remains a core element of the offer, reflecting the importance of place‑based improvement.
This includes the LGA’s strengthened Corporate Peer Challenge programme, which has been further developed to:
- Support councils undergoing local government reorganisation
- Reflect the needs of combined authorities
- Be tailored to local context and priorities
In 2025/26, all authorities engaging with the CPC programme reported positive impacts, highlighting its value in driving improvement and sharing best practice.
The updated programme introduces a range of new and expanded support offers, including:
- Enhanced learning and development programmes for chief executives
- New support and guidance to help councils understand and prepare for incoming employment law reforms
These additions respond directly to feedback from councils and reflect the rapidly changing policy and workforce landscape.
With local elections approaching, the LGA’s regional teams and expert member peers will be available to support both members and officers through periods of political change.
Resources for councillors, which include those stepping into new or senior roles, will be available via the LGA Councillor Hub, providing practical guidance, learning materials and peer insight.
The 2026/27 Sector Support Programme has been informed by:
- Feedback from members and officers who engaged with LGA support over the past year
- Oversight and advice from the LGA Improvement Committee
This collaborative approach ensures the programme remains relevant, practical, and rooted in the needs of the sector.
LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins commented:
“Councils and combined authorities continue to face significant change, challenge and opportunity, and it is vital they have access to the support they need to respond effectively and deliver for their communities.
“Our Sector Support Programme for 2026/27 builds on the support that the sector tells us it values most, while also responding to emerging issues and areas where councils want further help, including political transition, workforce pressures, and employment law reform.
“From Corporate Peer Challenges and regional support, to leadership development, service-specific improvement support and tools such as LG Inform, this programme offers practical, expert-led support shaped by the sector, for the sector.”
The programme sits within the LGA’s broader sector‑led improvement framework, which includes dedicated support for service areas such as adult social care, children’s services, and planning and housing.
It also includes specialist programmes covering sustainability, cyber security, digital transformation, and technology, helping councils respond to emerging risks and opportunities.
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