The LGA Independent Group is the most politically diverse group of councillors within the LGA. It is important that we harness the knowledge and experience of our members to ensure that we are working effectively and that our voices are heard.
In order to help achieve this we have set up a number of policy think tanks, that mirror the LGA policy boards, to help form policy positions within the group and shadow the work of the various LGA governance structures.
Think Tanks
Each think tank is led by the lead LGA Independent Group member appointed to the relevant LGA governance structure. They cover the following policy areas:
- Children and young people
- Community wellbeing
- Culture, tourism and sport
- Local infrastructure and Net Zero
- Resources
- Safer and stronger communities
- Improvement and innovation
- City regions
- People and places
- Fire and rescue services
Council network think tanks
We have Think Tanks supporting our members on the executive committees of the District Councils Network, County Councils Network, and Unitary Councils Network.
What do they do?
- provide a constructive forum for the exchange of ideas and information between members to assist policy development
- serve as an informed voice to assist the LGA Independent Group Executive
- identify, articulate, and evaluate current policy issues and develop solutions
- provide timely comment on LGA policy briefings and submissions
How do they work?
- Interested members join the LGA Independent Group Think Tank online forum – a specific website with a secure sign-in that is GDPR compliant to allow members to exchange views and ideas. Email the LGA Independent Group Office to register.
- There is the opportunity for members of Think Tanks to come together as part of various Group events.
- Full members appointed to the relevant LGA governance structure are responsible for leading appropriate engagement with the members of their Think Tank.
Who can be part of our Think Tanks?
- Any councillor who is a member of the LGA Independent Group (councillors who are independent, Residents Association, Green Party, Plaid Cymru, or any other smaller political party not classified as Conservative, Labour of Liberal Democrat) through their councils’ membership of the LGA can join an LGA Independent Group Think Tank.
- Members appointed to LGA Boards, including substitutes, are automatically added to the corresponding Think Tank membership list.