Case studies

Waltham Forest Council is currently delivering a three-year cultural programme with a focus on demonstrating how culture can improve people’s quality of life, their wellbeing and their prosperity.

Research and engagement is at the heart of our COVID-19 response and our Recovery Citizens Panel is one of the best examples of our approach. Representative of the diversity of our borough, it was formed to rapidly turn around insight to drive our strategic decision-making processes.

Summary

Waltham Forest has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help slow down the local rise in cases, the council launched a Stay Safe Champions scheme. First out on the streets, and now online, council officers and local volunteers have been directly engaging with residents, with the goal of informing, reassuring and supporting them. In parallel, our Play Safe Champions have been out on popular playgrounds to make sure children can safely access outdoor spaces and exercise.

WFC recommends ‘using insight to create the content that you know your residents will engage with.’

Waltham Forest Council launched a Private Rented Property Licensing Scheme in April 2015, in response to a significant number of landlords being found to provide sub-standard accommodation for tenants, and a high local reliance upon the private sector for housing, with 27 per cent of Waltham Forest households renting privately.

Walsall’s teenage pregnancy team works hard to keep its schoolaged clients in education. The team liaises closely with teachers to support pupils – and last year helped two-thirds stay in school. This case study is an example of the work that councils are doing to support young parents.

Our 'Supporting councils with business engagement' report captured learning from councils' contact with businesses over the course of the pandemic and their plans going forward. On example was Walsall Council. The pandemic changed the relationship between the council and the business community for the better.

A scheme to provide support and advice for Walsall families struggling with the rising cost of living has been launched by Walsall Council.

An example of how a council significantly improved its equality impact assessment processes.