Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
Local Elections England: 2026
This online training session is designed to provide stewards and reps with a thorough grounding in the key elements of local government finance and funding.
If you are a UNISON steward or organiser working in local government and want to learn more about your Council's finances, then read on.
No prior knowledge of council finance is required and all finance jargon, acronyms and terms will be explained.
The LGiU has been commissioned by UNISON to provide training on local government finance. Aimed at UNISON Stewards who work in local government, this session will provide a good grounding and an opportunity to learn more about your local Council’s finances.
An Introduction to Local Government Finance
It is more important than ever that all trade unionists working in local government understand how the local government finance system works, as council budgets will remain under significant pressure until the end of the decade. Elected members (within the financial constraints they face) make political choices about budgets and council tax. If trade unionists are going to influence those decisions, sound knowledge of local government finance is essential.
This session gives a very good grounding in how local government finance works in practice and sets out the ‘basics’ as part of the bigger picture of current developments and longer-term trends: the ‘emergency budget’, funding plans announced in the Autumn Statement and the annual local government finance settlement. It will also cover the emerging impact of major changes to local government finance, the continued impact of Covid-19 on Council finances, the cost of living, global shocks on local government, and any fresh or recent government initiatives and announcements, such as devolution and local government reorganisation.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Understand the importance of good financial governance and the key role and responsibilities played by elected councillors.
- Understand the overall national legal and policy framework affecting council finance and budgets.
- Understand key concepts and terminology, such as capital and revenue, general fund and the HRA, reserves and balances.
- Understand how local councils receive their funding.
Trainer
Pam Duke
Director
Pam is a highly experienced senior public sector leader with 35+ years in strategic and operational leadership, including finance and adult care. As Director of Finance for Cumbria County Council, she was the LGR finance lead, successfully creating two new Unitary Councils and transferring the fire service and the Cumbria Pension Fund. As the first Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) for Westmorland and Furness Council, she was key in establishing, stabilising, and driving change, putting the new Council on a path to medium-term financial sustainability. Driven by a passion for improving community outcomes and positive change, she has now moved from full-time employment to consultancy and advisory roles, seeking a better work-life balance (often found cold-water swimming).
Being at the foundation level helped fill in the gaps in my knowledge and allowed me to connect the dots on recent changes in the authority (now I can ask questions!). Ian explained the topics exceptionally well.
