Case studies

The need to keep residents informed and demonstrate value for money are key priorities for all councils, but how to do you balance the two? Alan Ferguson, web manager at Central Bedfordshire Council, explains how they swapped paper publications for online updates without diluting their messages or damaging engagement.

This case study forms part of a children's public health transfer resource. On 1 August 2017, the council transferred all of its children’s services to a community interest company owned by the council and two other local authorities.  

Cornwall Council is investing in a range of culture capital projects to support local economies, attract visitors and strengthen the creative sector.

Hosting a major exhibition by the street artist Banksy has been a catalyst for cultural renaissance and economic regeneration in the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare.

The work began in 2012 with a series of events for arts practitioners and health-based commissioners to discuss joint working. This led to a £250,000 investment from the council’s public health and arts services, along with investment partners Artswork and Royal Opera House Bridge, for a pilot commission.

Devon County Council has set up an independent staff- and community-owned social enterprise to run the county’s library service.

Oldham Council is using arts and culture to address issues around the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Effective community engagement has been key to the success of a new museum which celebrates Barnsley’s past, present and future.

In Blackpool, 128 local residents worked with professional artists to create the Blackpool Treasure Trove, a heritage resource of seven pop-up museums.

‘My Cambridge’ aims to ensure that every young person growing up in and around Cambridge can benefit from its world-class cultural assets.