Publications

We have an extensive catalogue of publications - research reports, long read articles, toolkits and best practice guidelines - that stem from our work with our member councils and other collaborations. Most publications are free to read and download as PDFs but you do need to be logged in to the website. Please sign in or set up an account if you don't already have one (this is free of charge). A few publications are for members only.

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The limitations of local government finance in England: A system wide perspective

For the last ten years we have been asking council leaders, chief executives, cabinet members for finance and section 151 officers their opinions on how local services are financed in England. This new report is the next step in our ongoing research into how local government finance could be different and better.

England & Wales, Global

Global Local: Think Tank Review May 2023

The monthly Global Local Think Tank review highlights relevant research and policy from leading think tanks around the world. This month: offices to houses, public services digital, Covid recovery fraud, whistle blowing and active travel.

Australia, England & Wales, Global, Ireland, Scotland

Notable practice: LGIU case study roundup March-April 2023

Councils around the world are tackling problems with resourcefulness and ingenuity. LGIU’s round up of case studies, good practice highlights from our exclusive Daily News and. more. From re-wilding to economic development and cost-of-living support.

Australia, England & Wales, Global, Ireland, Scotland With case study

LGIU@40: For the future of local government – a white paper

LGIU@40: For the Future of Local Government is LGIU’s new programme driven by our core belief in the vital role that local democratic institutions have in creating better places for us all. We will be establishing a set of new ideas about how local government could work better and how we can build the firm…

England & Wales, Scotland
Members

Backgrounder: Housing

This backgrounder provides a detailed introduction to local authority housing issues; key topics covered include homelessness, house building and renting. It is written with new councillors in mind but should also be useful to others new to local government or wanting to find out more about housing.

England & Wales, Scotland

Global Local: Think Tank Review April 2023

The monthly Global Local Think Tank review highlights relevant research and policy from leading think tanks around the world. This month: artificial intelligence (AI), economic inactivity after the pandemic, and low wage/precarious work. It also includes reports covering food systems, migration governance and wellbeing policy tools.

Australia, England & Wales, Global, Ireland, Scotland

State of the Locals

Exclusive polling data commissioned by LGIU from Ipsos on attitudes to local elections, the work of councillors, role of local government and new voter ID requirements across England.

England & Wales

Ones to Watch 2023

LGIU’s Ones to Watch highlights the key local contests to have on your radar in the lead up to polling day. Find out what’s at stake and up for grabs as voters go to the polls on 4 May 2023 to elect over 8,000 local representatives across England.

England & Wales