Useful links

Improvement and Development Agency

The IDeA is a public body created in 1999 by local government to provide advice, development and knowledge through its large range of programmes for the improvement of local government performance.

IDeA in particular focuses on providing advice in staffing skills and development. Also areas of e-government, leadership, capacity building, council service improvements and community links IDeA advises on.

For further information visit: http://www.idea.gov.uk/services/ (external link)

Local Government Association

The LGA represents nearly 500 local authorities throughout England and Wales. The LGAs aim is to place local authorities at the heart of central government decision making process in order to improve the delivery of services. Recently the LGA has co-ordinated policy for local government in areas such as the planning green paper to the education bill.

For further information visit: http://www.lga.gov.uk/ (external link)

Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services LACORS

LACORS works with local authorities to provide a commitment to the delivery of high quality regulatory and related services by working with a wide range of stakeholders across the UK. Its work involves promoting, co-ordinating and supporting local authority trading standards and food services. Recently the organisation has extended its remit to cover the Registration Service, public entertainment and liquor licensing.

For further information visit: http://www.lacors.gov.uk/pages/trade/about.asp (external link)

Local Government Employers

Local Government Employers (LGE) was created by the Local Government Association (LGA) in April 2006. They work with local authorities, regional employers and other bodies to lead and create solutions on pay, pensions and the employment contract, to ensure the provision of excellent and affordable local services.

For further information visit: http://www.lge.gov.uk/ (external link)

Local Government Association (formally LGIB)

Provides nformation and support service to councillors and local authorities as well as working with politicians internationally to get the best deal from the European Union and worldwide.

For further information visit: http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=14519 (external link)

London Councils - (formally ALG)

London Councils is a lobbying organisation which represents the 33 London boroughs, the Metropolitan Police Authority and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. It articulates the case for London boroughs in such areas education, housing and social care.

For further details visit: http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/ (external link)

Greater London Authority GLA

The Greater London Authority is the London city-wide elected body, headed by the Mayor of London and the 25 elected member assembly. The GLAs areas of responsibility include transport, policing, fire and emergency planning, economic development, environment, planning, culture and health. The Mayor has financial budgetary control for Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the London Development Agency.

For further details visit: http://www.london.gov.uk (external link)

London Development Agency LDA

The LDA is London's economic development body created in 2000 and works to the GLA. It is one of nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). Its policy remit covers sustainable economic development and regeneration by working in partnership business and other organisations including Central Government.

For further details visit: http://www.lda.gov.uk/aboutthelda/ (external link)