Case studies

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

The borough identified the need to work with at risk communities to increase reporting for support (voluntary or statutory support) and the need for greater understanding among professionals in supporting FGM victims.

From October 2021 - May 2022, Merton’s Community Fridge Network saved over 27,200kg of food from going to waste, equivalent to 58,600 meals and 77,300kg of CO2.

The London borough of Lewisham is making tackling food poverty a priority in the recovery from the pandemic.

To ensure that residents receive the right support at the right time, Lambeth Council entered into a partnership with Lightning Reach, an award-winning social impact startup, to connect people in financial hardship to a personalised range of support.

Lambeth Advance Care Planning Consortium, an open network of statutory and voluntary sector organisations promoting the importance of recording future care and treatment wishes, is dedicated to ensuring everyone across the borough has the opportunity to make an advance care plan. This case study forms part of our end of life care guide for councils.

Lambeth were particularly keen to test that the assumptions underpinning their strategic response were correct and to understand what learning could be taken to prepare for subsequent lockdowns and easing of restrictions.