Help is available with changes in political leadership.
Following the 1 May local elections, there are now 123 councils in England where no party holds a majority of the seats – up from 109 in 2024.
And while only 23 councils (plus the City of London Corporation and the Council of the Isles of Scilly) had elections this year, most have seen changes in political balance and leadership (see ‘A new multi-party system’).
The LGA provides member councils with tools and resources to support them through this period of change and help with new political arrangements, whether they are changes of control, no overall control, or changes to councils’ portfolio holders and leaders.
Every council will respond in their own way and in the context of their own local situation, but it can also be helpful to learn from the experiences of others.
The LGA continues to talk to a range of leaders and chief executives whose councils have experienced changes in leadership, and their lessons inform our guidance.
We also offer a range of post-elections support to help smooth political transitions and ensure that councillors and council officers have access to resources and support to deliver effectively in their roles.
This support is provided by our regional support teams and expert councillor and officer peers. It includes: bespoke support and advice tailored to councillor and officer needs; mentoring by expert peers; top-team development for senior political leadership teams; officer and/or councillor development sessions, including induction events for new councillors; mediation to address challenges in relationships between senior councillors and/or council officers; and a peer network for chief executives who experience a change in political leadership (email ami.beeton@local.gov.uk for further information).
- You can find out more at local.gov.uk/changes-political-leadership
Finance made simple
The LGA has launched Finance Unpacked, a new series of 11 animated explainer videos to provide councillors and officers with a basic understanding of some of the key concepts within local government finance and audit.
The videos have been developed in response to demand from councils for finance training resources that are easy to understand and can be used flexibly. They include topics such as ‘understanding council tax and business rates’, ‘reserves and balances’, and ‘financial sustainability’.
Finance Unpacked provides an accessible entry point for those new in their role, or a refresher for those with more experience. The videos will be of particular relevance to new councillors, as part of their induction process.
By providing councillors with the information and tools to better understand local government finance and audit, the LGA aims to enable enhanced insight and assurance, to better understand financial issues and provide robust challenge and scrutiny.
The LGA’s finance improvement team continues to provide an extensive offer to help local authorities manage their finances in these difficult times, including provision of experienced finance associates to provide advice and insight, the Finance Peer Challenge programme, and the Finance Leadership Essentials courses – see local.gov.uk/our-support/finance
