Case studies

This case study forms part of Shaping Places for Healthier Lives, a grant programme funding five council-led partnerships across England to build places that support good health for all. The programme is funded by the Health Foundation, delivered in partnership with the Local Government Association, and supported in delivery and learning by the Design Council and Cordis Bright/PPL. 

A fresh approach was required to tackle council tax arrears in the house in multiple occupation sector. The introduction of council wide licensing, with its additional powers and intelligence, presented an opportunity to increase council tax collection.

Increasing physical activity among children and young people is a central goal of Southwark Council’s holistic approach to tackling child obesity. From planning development, designing transport to commissioning leisure services with specific health outputs, the promotion of more active lifestyles is a strategic aim.

Key among this has been the adoption of a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach by the public health directorate, which aims to maximise how health and wellbeing interventions and outcomes are integrated across the council. 

Southwark Council used the Household Support Fund to improve delivery of local welfare including providing direct cash support to help low income households pay rising energy bills, set levels of support based on local welfare data, and create community referral pathways.

Southwark Council partners with the Money Adviser Network, referring customers mainly for rent or council tax arrears. This provides immediate assistance, while building a picture of who in the borough is in particular need and plan support for the future.

Step-by-Step is a Southwark Council initiative to test different approaches to managing debt to the Council – including council tax debt. Where residents volunteer to participate, the Council will immediately suspend all recovery and enforcement action for a period to allow arrangements to be set in place. Under the latest pilots, Step-by-Step also offers debtors access to free, independent debt advice available by phone or online.

As the number and regularity of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) arriving in Sutton increases, the council have reviewed how best to support these young people in their community. The authority have looked at how the same high standards of support their social care team provides to all children and young people can be tailored to meet the particular needs of UASC.

Care homes COVID-19 crisis prompted a local innovative, evidence-based approach to tackling COVID-19 infections/outbreaks and other challenges faced by Sutton care homes.

Early in 2022, two leisure centres in the London Borough of Sutton began delivering therapeutic exercise programmes as part of the MSK Hubs programme.