Local Government Explained
On Wednesday, 28th October 2026, Chancellor John Healey will deliver the first budget of Andy Burnham’s premiership. On the same day, the OBR will publish its economic and fiscal forecast, and it is widely expected that a roadmap to fiscal devolution will be outlined to transfer powers and resources from Whitehall to the regions.
In the build-up to the Budget, we’ve had a summer of policy announcements, many with major implications for councils, from business rate retention to council tax reform.
At the same time, this Budget lands at a moment of financial pressure for councils. Our 2026 survey of council finances finds that despite finance reforms, 39% of councils expect to need Exceptional Financial Support in the next five years.
To discuss the implications of this Budget, LGIU is hosting a webinar where our experts will dissect what it means for councils.
Key discussion points
- Analysis of what the Budget means for councils
- What it tells us about Burnham’s premiership
- Whether the Budget will address the key pressures on financial sustainability in councils
- The implications for fiscal devolution and the Rewiring the State White Paper
Who should attend
This discussion will be of interest to senior officers and cabinet members in English local government, ahead of council budget preparations.
Speakers
Dr Greg Stride – Principal Researcher, LGIU: Before joining the LGIU, Greg completed a PhD at the University of Exeter on electoral administration in England, where he also taught social science research methods. Previously, he worked for Citizens Advice, at the House of Commons and the University of Oxford. Greg has a PhD from the University of Exeter on electoral administration in England, where he also taught social science research methods. Alongside his academic work, Greg has also worked in electoral services, written textbooks for A-level politics students and completed an internship at the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Phil Rook, Chief Financial Officer, Worcestershire County Council: Phil is Worcestershire County Council's Section 151 Officer and is responsible for the Council's Strategic Financial Planning and Reporting in relation to its annual budget of over £495m. Working alongside and supporting all areas of the County Council, Phil supports the Council in understanding the value for money of its services as well as ensuring the Council maximises its use of resources through the use of innovative financing solutions. Phil also manages the Council's commercial, procurement and performance teams alongside finance, pensions and internal audit.
Phil oversees the Strategic Financial Planning and Reporting for the County Council's £100 million annual Capital Programme as well as managing £4bn of investments in the Worcestershire Pension Fund.
Aileen Murphie, Honorary Professor, Durham University Business School: Aileen worked at the National Audit Office 1983-2021 and then as an advisor to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee from 2021-24. She chairs CIPFA’s Practice Oversight Panel, which advises on good financial practice in the public sector.
Jack Shaw, Director of Groundwork Research and Fellow, The Productivity Institute: Jack is the Director of Groundwork Research and was among the LGIU’s Top 25 Global Thinkers in Local Government in 2025. He is also a Policy Fellow at The Productivity Institute, based at the University of Manchester and an Affiliated Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Bennett School for Public Policy.
Chair
Dr Jonathan Carr-West – Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit: Dr Jonathan Carr-West has been Chief Executive of LGIU since February 2013, where he leads on all aspects of policy, membership and influencing work. With decades of experience, Jonathan is a leading national expert on local government transformation, LGR and devolution, local democracy and public services. Prior to being appointed as Chief Executive, Jonathan was Director of Policy at the LGIU, where he led on research and consultancy, policy development and piloting, best-practice dissemination, learning and development. Before joining the LGIU, he was Deputy Programme Director and Acting Head of Programme at the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Commerce and Manufactures).
