Formerly known as the Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government, Local Government Improvement and Development [1] supports the improvement and innovation in local government, helping councils take responsibility for their own performance and improvement [2]. It works with councils in developing good practice, supporting them in their partnership through networks, online communities of practice and web resources, and through the support and challenge provided by councillor and officer peers. It also helps develop councillors in key positions through leadership programmes [3].