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.
Blackburn with Darwen (BwD) has thoughtfully harnessed national investment and local infrastructure to craft a dynamic, community-centered model. The borough retained eight children’s centres - four of which have been transformed into vibrant family hubs, while the remaining four operate as linked satellite children’s settings. Each site serves a unique neighbourhood, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage across the borough.
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council has five District Community Councils. The Community Councils empower elected members together to agree local priorities, coordinate neighbourhood services and direct place-based funding.
The Merton Young Savers scheme is a first-of-its-kind savings account for children, launched by Merton Council in partnership with Croydon Plus Credit Union.
The scheme helps the next generation build financial resilience, supports families during the cost-of-living crisis, keeps money circulating locally, and strengthens community wellbeing
Manchester City Council have established ward coordination meetings in each ward across the city. These meetings allow elected members the opportunity to access intelligence about their ward, set local priorities, and engage with council and wider partners, residents and communities to make progress in their neighbourhoods.
Rochdale Borough Council has maintained Township Committees across the Borough for over thirty years. An integral part of the council’s decision-making process, the Township Committees empower elected members to take ownership over the local delivery of some council services.
‘Family Matters’ is a multi-agency programme in Stoke-on-Trent that gives families access to the advice, tips and opportunities they need to thrive. It is a key part of the city council’s commitment to early support – working with partners, including the voluntary and community sector, to ensure that children have the best start in life.
The Public Health team within Hackney Council is working with partners across maternity and children’s services to promote holistic awareness and support for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)--an often overlooked and underdiagnosed health condition affecting children and families exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
The Health Equity Teams (HET) programme in Lewisham was developed to address racial health inequalities identified in the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities (BLACHIR) report.
Coventry City Council, along with the multiagency partnership, has developed a city-wide model of integrated family support through eight Family Hub locations.
The Barnet KidsTime Workshop offers an evidence-based intervention that is aligned with the NHS 10-year plan and strategic objectives relating to Family First for Children, Best Start for Life, and Neighbourhood Health.