Local Government Association

On 1 April 1997, the Association of County Councils, the Association of District Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities came together to form a single membership body for local government in England – the Local Government Association (LGA). In 2010, the LGA merged with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), Local Government Employers (LGE), Local Authority Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and the Leadership Centre for Local Government. The IDeA, whilst wholly owned by the LGA, continues to exist as a company and the recipient of central government grant for improvement activities. The Leadership Centre is now an independent body based in North London. In April 2019, the former unincorporated LGA was replaced by the LGA unlimited company, enabling it to hold title to its two properties – its headquarters in Smith Square, Westminster and the former IDeA headquarters in Farringdon. The LGA’s annual meeting – the General Assembly – takes place on the first Tuesday of July each year. The 2019 assembly passed a motion declaring a climate emergency and calling on government to explore the domestic implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through funded partnership roles with local authority areas and encouraging councils to continue to link local priorities with the overall ambitions of the SDGs. == Chairs of the LGA ==

• Jeremy Beecham (1997–2004) • Lord Bruce-Lockhart (2004–2007) • Sir Simon Milton (2007–2008) • Baroness Eaton (2008–2011) • Sir Merrick Cockell (2011–2014) • David Sparks (2014–2015) • Lord Porter of Spalding (2015–2019) • Lord Jamieson (2019–2023) • Shaun Davies (2023–2024) • Louise Gittins (2024–present) ==Chair and vice chairs==

In June 2024, the LGA published its Local Government White Paper, which set out their five priorities: • An equal, respectful partnership between local and national government • Sufficient and sustainable funding with multi-year settlements • Backing local government as place leaders with new powers • A new focus on prevention and services for the wider community • Innovation and freedom from bureaucracy through the use of artificial intelligence ==Associated companies==

The LGA has a number of associated companies. • GeoPlace is a joint venture between the LGA and Ordnance Survey • LGA (Digital Services) is a partnership between the LGA and Brent Council • Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd is wholly owned by the LGA through the IDeA company • LGA Commercial Services Ltd is wholly owned by the LGA • The LGA is a founder member of the Local Government Mutual (LGM) and a shareholder in the UK Municipal Bonds Agency (UKMBA) • Local Partnerships is a joint venture between the LGA, HM Treasury and the Welsh Government ==See also==