Local Government Chronicle

The Local Government Chronicle (LGC) is a weekly publication in the UK aimed at local government professionals, produced by Emap. Established in 1855 by publisher Charles Knight, the magazine maintains a stance of political independence. LGC addresses various topics such as finance, legal matters, management, housing, urban planning, community development, environmental issues, education, the concept of the big society, local elections, the third sector, and social services. The magazine is edited by Nick Golding and features insights from experts like Tony Travers from the London School of Economics, along with a weekly anonymous column titled "LGC Insider" and contributions from different government officials.

National, Trade/B2B

English

Magazine

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Global

#838357

United Kingdom

#52710

Law and Government/Government

#1003

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Articles

Exclusive: Almost two in five councils ‘worse off’ under Labour

5 days ago | lgcplus.com | Kirsty Weakley |Jonathan Knott

Just 21% of council figures say their authority is better off as a result of Labour’s actions since entering government last July, according to LGC research. LGC’s latest Confidence Survey asked whether the government’s decisions have meant their council’s financial position is better or worse off. Some 14% said they were ‘a lot’ worse off and 25% said they were ‘a bit’ worse off. Two fifths said they were neither better nor worse off.
LGPS now knows its future but instability set to continue

6 days ago | lgcplus.com | Martin George

The government has given the LGPS much of the certainty it has asked for – but whether it will deliver what ministers want is another question, writes deputy editor Martin George. When local government minister Jim McMahon described last week’s changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme as “the most significant reform of the LGPS in a generation” the hype was – for once – justified.
Unitary announces new chief

1 week ago | lgcplus.com | Martin George

An accountant with experience of local government, the civil service and the NHS is set to become the new chief executive of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council. Aidan Dunn, who is currently executive director of corporate development at Dorset Council, is set to succeed the council’s founding chief Graham Farrant, who announced his retirement in February.
Councils' patience with Starmer government is running out

1 week ago | lgcplus.com | Kirsty Weakley

Findings from the latest LGC confidence survey show the government must do more to show council figures that they understand the pressures local authorities are under, writes head of content Kirsty WeakleyIn the wake of Reform UK’s electoral and polling surge, Sir Keir Starmer appears to have embarked on a charm offensive to win over ‘working people’.
Ministers to take powers to merge LGPS funds

1 week ago | lgcplus.com | Martin George

New legislation will give ministers the power to force council pension funds to merge as part of a raft of measures designed to reform the Local Government Pension Scheme. The government today published the outcome of its consultation on the biggest overhaul of the LGPS in a generation, which aims to consolidate the fragmented scheme and increase the amount it invests in the UK economy.
Confidence Survey 2025: Optimism about Starmer government plummets

1 week ago | lgcplus.com | Jonathan Knott

The honeymoon period for the Labour government is over, LGC’s latest survey of senior council figures revealsOptimism about Sir Keir Starmer’s government has plunged dramatically in the past year among local government figures, according to new LGC research.
Government allows 'limited flexibility' on LGPS reform deadline

1 week ago | lgcplus.com | Martin George

The government has confirmed its deadline for Local Government Pension Scheme asset pooling to be completed, but will allow "some limited flexibility where necessary" for pension funds moving to new pools, and pools taking in new funds. Ministers announced plans last November for pooling, which sees the 87 LGPS funds - also known as administering authorities (AAs) - in England and Wales transfer their assets to ‘pools’ to invest on their behalf, to be “completed” by March 2026.
Balancing the planning reform carrot and stick

1 week ago | lgcplus.com | Kirsty Weakley

Government must ensure keeping housebuilders on track does not become just another burden on overstretched councils, writes head of content Kirsty Weakley. How did you spend your bank holiday weekend? Down to the seaside with friends? First family barbecue of summer? On the sofa with a bowl of popcorn catching up on Eurovision because you had foolishly made clashing plans the previous weekend (ok that one is probably just me)?
Minister urges councils to promote waste reforms on Facebook

2 weeks ago | lgcplus.com | Kirsty Weakley

Waste reforms will generate billions in investment but councils will need to help educate the public about the benefits, the nature minister said yesterday. Mary Creagh was speaking to the Association of Directors of Environment, Planning & Transport's spring conference where she suggested councils should use their position to help educate the public about the positive impact of reforms.
Pipelines and parallel universes at UKReiif

2 weeks ago | lgcplus.com | Sarah Calkin

There was a some rare positivity for government policy at the major investment conference in Leeds this week. But you didn't have to look far for alternative views, writes LGC editor Sarah CalkinIf Keir Starmer needed a bit of cheering up this week he could have done worse than get himself along to UKReiif.