Local Government Information Unit
The Local Government information Unit (LGiU) is a London based thinktank and registered charity. Established in 1983 as a membership organisation for UK local authorities, the LGiU provides policy services and seeks to influence national policy, particularly in relation to local government and local public services. The LGiU has around 150 local authority members and a wide range of associate members and partner organisations.
The chief executive is Jonathan Carr-West, formerly of the RSA. Andy Sawford was chief executive of the LGiU until 2012, when he was elected MP for Corby. The chair of the board is Councillor Dave Wilcox of Derbyshire County Council. In July 2008 the LGiU was voted Thinktank of the Year in the Public Affairs News Awards.[1]
The LGiU has released a number of publications on policy areas including localism, adult social care, public-private sector partnerships and the role of local authorities in the schools system. They also frequently publish policy briefings for members, as well as a daily news service. They publish C'llr magazine for councillors in England and Wales, and run the C'llr Achievement Awards, which recognises achievement in local government.
The LGiU is Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Local Government, chaired by Heather Wheeler MP.