Find out more about council budget setting - legal requirements, processes and influencing opportunities.
Local Government Budgets 2026
Members are invited to the latest session in our local government spotlight series, this time with a focus on local authority budgets.
With the publication of the provisional local government settlement and new multi-year approach to budget setting, we will explore what the rules are around council budgets, how they are set and ways to influence.
We will be joined by local government experts who will share their experience of working in and with councils and share top tips for VCSE organisations seeking to work with councils to ensure fair funding for the services they are commissioned to deliver.
Hannah Lazell from SW One Communications will facilitate the meeting, and invites questions in advance from members on all issues relating to local government budgets.
Other speakers to be confirmed shortly.


Political & Corporate Strategy Advisor, SW One Communications
Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as a standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Peter is a former local government leader, spending over two decades driving transformative change. His 18-year tenure as the Leader of Sevenoaks District Council resulted in significant financial and organisational achievements, earning national and international recognition.
Peter led the Local Government Association’s work on Improvement and Innovation for 10 years, including the move away from the Audit Commission to Sector Led Improvement.
Peter is now an associate for the LGA, carrying out Member mentoring, Peer Challenges, Communication Reviews and bespoke work on behalf of councils and facilitates the Leadership Academy programme. Peter is also in the pool of Best Value Commissioners for the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing and Chairs the Corporation of MidKent College.
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