Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Wiltshire includes 65 kilometres of the Kennet and Avon Canal and is home to a vibrant and diverse ‘boater’ community. Wiltshire Council’s public health team has been working with them to find out more about this unique way of life.
Stainforth is a small town in South Yorkshire. This former mining community is located within the City of Doncaster local authority area and has a population of around 6,000. The Shaping Stainforth SPHL programme aims to take a complex system approach to improving the determinants of mental health in Stainforth by building on community strengths and assets.
Shropshire’s focus centred on reframing food insecurity, helping people to maximise their incomes, and bringing communities and organisations together to co-create solutions. These key levers were identified from learning about the issue locally and developing a Theory of Change informed by this understanding.
Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council worked together with local partners to explore and address the issues and drivers causing food insecurity in seven areas of high need.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working with the NHS and other partners to increase uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.
The vision for inclusion health in the East Riding is to reduce health inequalities through ensuring equitable access to services and targeted engagement to marginalised communities. This means working proactively with groups at higher risk of poor health outcomes to raise awareness of healthcare and facilitate access to it, so that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve positive health outcomes.
In June 2024, Runnymede Borough Council implemented a Corporate Debt & Financial Inclusion pilot programme to improve debt collection efficiency and support vulnerable residents. Key milestones included developing a business case, reviewing the Enforcement Agent contract, securing budget approval, and implementing new software.
Colchester City Council launched a cost of living campaign in July 2022 to support residents of Colchester who may be facing financial hardship due to rising energy, food and fuel costs. The campaign aimed to showcase and signpost support available across the city from a wide range of partners, not just the council itself.