LGIU Statement – One week until the locals
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU said:
“With a week to go until local elections, there’s a lot of talk about what they will tell us about Westminster politics, especially in light of the controversies of recent days.
We should not forget, however, that next Thursday’s elections are not just a judgement on national political parties but are about electing the councillors who will make the important decisions about the way in which communities around the country recover from the pandemic.
Communities are more important than curtains and we would urge people to consider local needs and aspirations as well as national politics as they cast their vote.”
ENDS
‘Ones to watch’ guide
Two years worth of elections. 143 councils. 13 mayors. What’s at stake and what’s up for grabs on 6 May? This long read looks at the hot elections across England on #SuperThursday.
Super Thursday 6 May: issues, campaigns and comment
The set of elections on 6 May are complicated, extensive and fascinating. What are the main themes in the campaigns? What will the results tell us about the state of devolution and local government in 2021? Our latest briefing covers it all.
Weekly elections bulletin – new for 2021
We have teamed up with Vuelio to provide an exclusive weekly elections bulletin with the latest news and updates, ones to watch and campaign information from the elections taking place across the country including English local elections, GLA, Mayoral, Scottish and Welsh elections.
Local government facts & figures
Our local government facts and stats page includes all of the details on how a council really works, a breakdown of local government structures, stats and workings.
Can we hold free, fair and safe local elections in May?
In January, our survey revealed that the majority of council officials were overwhelmingly concerned about their ability to hold local elections in May, with more than two thirds (69%) suggesting an autumn timetable is more achievable. The survey of 353 Chief Executives (who are often returning officers), Democratic Services Officers and Council Leaders was the most comprehensive survey of council officials across England on the 2021 Local Elections. It found that their greatest concerns were around preparing for May elections that would only later be postponed, their ability to recruit and train electoral workers and their ability to prepare under current conditions.
Guide to elections communications
Local elections matter and how we talk about them matters. Effective communications can build enthusiasm for local democracy and this communications guide focuses on some easy steps that councils can take during the election period.
Guide to personal safety for councillors (and candidates)
Our personal safety is something many of us take for granted. This short guide offers some tips on assessing risk and adopting strategies and behaviours that will minimise any potential hazards councillors and candidates might come across. It has been updated to include information on canvassing and Covid-19.
OTHER LGIU RESOURCES
LGIU Briefings – free access for press
You have access to our briefings service for free. Our team of expert associates produce over 300 briefings each year on topics ranging from children’s services and planning to local economic growth and Brexit. They are written in an easily digestible format for councillors and council staff. We also have an archive of 2,000+ briefings here if you’re looking for further background on any specific local government-related issues.
Daily News – free access for press
Daily News is a hugely popular service for members only with free access for press. It provides a professional summary of the top local government news stories in your country. It is emailed directly to members first thing in the morning ensuring that you are always up to date with the latest developments.
Post-Covid Councils
LGIU’s Post-Covid Councils project explores the future of local government post-Covid-19 and the main areas that need to be addressed as we move towards recovery. The key topics covered include the location of power, sustainability, place-shaping, unfinished business, trust and governance and a new municipalism.
Sign up process
To sign up to receive our updates, make sure you set up an account as a member. You can opt into the Daily News updates, briefings and any other issue updates that you are interested in.
For any additional information or problems, please contact LGIU’s External Affairs Manager, Jen Pufky, on jen.pufky@lgiu.org or 07825 617 927.
About LGIU
LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) was established in 1983 as an independent, not-for-profit local authority membership organisation and think tank. Now as LGIU England & Wales, LGIU Scotland, LGIU Ireland and LGIU Australia we work for and with local authorities around the world, helping them to serve their citizens more effectively. Our members are councils and other organisations with an interest in local government.
We provide the unrivalled intelligence and support that officers and councillors need every day. We work with our members and other stakeholders to drive forward the ideas and solutions needed to provide sustainable public services in the future. And we deliver the commentary that makes the value of local government clear to all.
