STORY
The Local Government Association has announced that Joanna Killian is stepping down as chief executive. The development comes during a period of significant policy pressure for councils, including local Government reorganisation, devolution, financial sustainability and adult social care.
Killian has led the organisation through a period in which councils have warned repeatedly about rising costs and limited resources. Local authorities have faced growing demand in children’s services, housing, special educational needs and adult social care, placing pressure on budgets across the sector.
The appointment of a successor will be watched closely by council leaders and ministers. The LGA’s next chief executive will inherit an organisation seeking to influence a busy Government agenda while representing councils with very different political, financial and structural challenges.