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From Blackpool to Plymouth, 14 areas to be transformed as part of the once-in-a-generation reforms to local government

• Updated: 5 February 2026

How local councils work in England - types of council, decision-making, council finances, local councillors and making complaints

• Types of council

  This guide relates to councils in England. Find information about councils…

• Decision making

  The full council (a meeting of all council members) is responsible for all…

• Spending and accounts

  Many local councils provide information on their websites to show how they…

• Local councillors and elections

  Local councillors are elected for 4-year terms by the local community to…

• Make a complaint

  If you feel that a council service has not been properly delivered, you…

This page details the Knowledge and Library Services (KLS) available to local authority public health staff.

• Updated: 11 September 2025

​​​​​Letter to inform council leaders of the launch of the local government reorganisation consultations.​

• Updated: 5 February 2026

GDS Local strengthens collaboration between central and local government to deliver better, more joined-up digital public services.

• Updated: 22 November 2025

Provisional data for the period: September 2014 - March 2015

• Updated: 24 February 2015

Local authority social services letters (LASSL) confirm the adult social care funding allocations for local authorities.

• Updated: 26 July 2017

Guidance primarily aimed at local responders covering some common issues that may arise during the Recovery Phase of an emergency in the UK.

• Updated: 26 March 2013

Find and access local services

• Updated: 31 July 2023

Guidance for local authorities on how to access the local government income compensation scheme for lost sales, fees and charges as a result of COVID-19.

• Updated: 12 November 2021