This briefing examines what local authorities can do to help build more cohesive and resilient communities and lessen division. It provides examples of effective local interventions and discusses ways to measure success. It is aimed at councillors and officers with responsibility for (or an interest in) community cohesion. Read here with an LGIU membership

Spaces where people connect, from parks to pubs, form our vital ‘social infrastructure’. This briefing explores why these places are fundamental for building community cohesion, trust and resilience. It outlines the pivotal role councils play in supporting these assets and highlights new opportunities, including government funding, to help them flourish. Read here with an LGIU membership

In this interview, we talk to Cllr Saqlain Choudry, winner of LGIU’s 2023 Young Councillor of the Year award, about the work he has been involved in at Brent Council, motivations for getting into local politics and the day-to-day realities of being a young Councillor. Read here

Established in 1976, the East Border Region (EBR) is one of the longest established local authority led cross border groups in Europe, representing six local authorities across Ireland and Northern Ireland. This briefing explores its history, successes and recent challenges. Read here with an LGIU membership

We interviewed Mary Agostino, the newly appointed CEO of Mitchell Shire Council and one of our top 25 thinkers, about her extensive experience supporting Melbourne’s growth corridors. Mary’s insights on local government leadership and building resilient communities are a must-read/watch/listen. Learn from a visionary leader dedicated to shaping a sustainable future. Read/watch here

This briefing focuses on the critical demographic variables for community planning – age, disability/vulnerability and language spoken. It outlines the key steps for creating a community profile to help guide the development of council programs, services, or strategies. Read here with an LGIU membership. 

Trust in democratic political systems is declining as the world grapples with social, political, technological and environmental challenges. If trust continues to decline, the future of these institutions at all levels and their purpose will be at risk. This think piece argues that local government and local interventions are the key to building back trust. Read here

How can AI be harnessed for the public good? That’s one of the key questions on everyone’s mind as we consider AI’s potential for the future of local government. This case study explores the Open Council Network, a powerful example through its pioneering approach to increasing transparency between councils and citizens. It’s all about rebuilding trust by transforming how council information is shared. Read here with an LGIU membership

The Covid-19 pandemic created a perfect storm for the spread of misinformation and disinformation. As local authorities look towards recovery, what can they do to manage the impacts of false information now and in the future? Read here

This briefing aims to guide local councils on rebuilding public trust in the face of increasing online negativity and misinformation. It explores the reasons for declining trust and provides strategies and case studies for proactive social media engagement, transparency, and community collaboration to counter this trend. Read here with an LGIU membership

What happens when we no longer trust our governments? Or when civic institutions no longer trust each other? As part of our LGIU@40 campaign we look at declining trust levels and how local government can re-build trust. Read here

In this article, Dr Greg Stride from LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre explores how councils work to ensure they are trustworthy and trusted. Upcoming research will explore how the crucial role of the Monitoring Officer can help guarantee that English councils do everything the public can expect of them and, in turn, build trust. Read here

The bill for housing asylum seekers in hotels is increasing, to the anger of some communities. Yet many councils are keen to support asylum seekers and refugees. This briefing looks at how people are assisted, while their claims are determined, and whether the role of local authorities may soon expand. Read here with an LGIU membership

Connie Nolan, who represents Canterbury City Council’s Barton ward in Kent, discusses her work to support local Ukrainian refugees, which earned her the title of Resilience Champion in the LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards 2023. Read here

This briefing focuses on how to manage the integration of refugees and asylum seekers at the local level and presents a number of global case studies. It also summarises recent statistics relating to migration. Read here with an LGIU membership

Local government are delivering essential services and facilitating resettlement. This briefing explores the intricate and sensitive subject of climate migration, addressing the lack of legal recognition for climate migrants, emphasising the most vulnerable communities, and discussing potential challenges. Read here with an LGIU membership

The increase in the number of those seeking asylum in the UK initially brings significant pressure to local government, associated services and infrastructure. In the longer term, however, there are many opportunities and benefits for the UK as the host country. This briefing examines both the challenges and opportunities. Read here with an LGIU membership

In Ireland, much debate and discussion recently have been centred around the required humanitarian response to Ukraine. In this blog, LGIU’s Dr Seán Ó’Riordáin explores the ways in which local government will need to continue to step up in the coming months and years. Read here

In this article, Dr Andrew Walker and Dr Greg Stride from the LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre outline the role of risk and risk management within local government. They also introduce their new joint research project with Browne Jacobson, seeking the opinions of local authority risk managers on the future of their roles. Read here

Local authorities today face an evolving landscape that necessitates a fundamental shift in how councils approach risk management. Recent research conducted by the LGIU and supported by our strategic partner Browne Jacobson reveals a significant transformation in this area. Read here

The LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre interviewed risk managers in UK local authorities in depth to better understand how councils manage risk, the challenges faced by risk managers, and how the perception of risk in local government is changing. Read here with an LGIU membership

This briefing explores the challenges faced by local councillors in various countries. It highlights the personal and political tribulations of balancing public service with the harsh realities of a polarised political climate, including harassment, work-life imbalance, and mental health struggles. The narrative also underscores the intrinsic satisfaction derived from community improvement despite these adversities. Read here with an LGIU membership

This article explores the potential of deliberative democratic practices in reconnecting people with local government and enhancing their experience of democracy. Focusing on citizens’ assemblies and their unique ability to bring diverse perspectives together and build trust, it unpacks how to achieve a fair and representative panel, which is well-informed and supported. Read here

LGIU’s Dr. Greg Stride interviews Claudia Chwalisz, founder and CEO of Democracy Next, about the role of citizens’ assemblies in enhancing democracy. Claudia shares her journey into democracy advocacy, the principles of citizens’ assemblies, their impact on local governance, and her deliberative vision for the future. Read/watch here

Ireland’s THRIVE programme is supporting local councils in regenerating significant parts of major towns across the country. This short briefing looks at the progress of the programme to date and cites examples of projects now underway across the Republic. Read here with an LGIU membership

Dr Madeleine Pill discusses the state-society relationships of local governance and the need for better engagement between local governments and citizens. This article focuses on creating participatory spaces through institutional innovations, which broaden the range of agency, expertise and resources available to care for place. Read here

This article sees Adur & Worthing Councils explore their Thriving Together programme, a bold and participatory approach to engage people in the decisions that will define our area’s future during reorganisation. They describe it as not just a consultation, but a shared process of imagining, deliberating and designing the places locals call home. Read here