Case studies

This case study explores how Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council were able retain their two remaining tower blocks that were constructed using Large Panel Systems (LPS). The council’s strong internal high-rise building safety team and engagement with external industry experts have led to the council managing and retaining the two remaining LPS tower blocks rather than pursuing demolition.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council provides a mentoring service for apprentices in the private or public sectors. This is part of the Council’s employment and skills team and links with wider services to support harder-to-reach young people, including care leavers and those with disabilities.

Sandwell MBC has partnered with Alcohol Change UK to run a project aimed at the most change-resistant drinkers. It targets those who are alcohol dependent, a burden on public service and not engaging with treatment, by surrounding them with support.

The West Bromwich outdoor market redevelopment sought to improve the visual amenity of the area, deliver against the Council’s climate change agenda and increase the economic impact of the market, which is at the cultural heart of the town centre. The scheme was shortlisted for The Energy Awards 2021.

Summary Sandwell Council and Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT) have created the Sandwell Healthy Urban Development Unit (SHUDU). This is a forum for officers and members to coordinate and integrate spatial planning and efforts to reduce health inequalities.

To ensure good uptake in black and ethnic minority communities, the council has worked closely with its communities, training local people to become vaccine advocates and running mobile pop-up clinics.

The successful post-COVID 19 reopening of town and city centres requires the creative reimagining and promotion of safe and welcoming public spaces. Royal Leamington Spa is an example of a town taking such an approach, through a creative collaboration between Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, Royal Leamington Spa Town Council and BID Leamington

In order to reduce the carbon footprint of the Council and demonstrate leadership locally, regionally, and nationally, Scarborough Borough Council has rolled out hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) into almost two thirds of its fleet vehicles. The fuel is being used as a straight replacement for diesel in the majority of the diesel fleet, from bin wagons to ride-on mowers. Over the course of a full year, the project could lower emissions by up to 900 tCO2e.

The visitor economy sector continues to play a key role in the economy of the borough. Whilst Scarborough still has many structural challenges to face, it equally has a lot to offer the visitor including 45 miles of heritage coastline, the North York Moors National Park, the resorts of Filey, Whitby and Scarborough, year-round events and festivals, which celebrate the essence of the Yorkshire Coast, and a developing food and drink offer.