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.
Seeking to identify ways to close gaps of employment, deprivation and engagement in one of Bolton’s most deprived areas, Bolton Council provided funding and significant freedom of action to a housing association, as the best-embedded organisation within the community, to experiment with innovative forms of community engagement where traditional approaches had failed.
West Berkshire’s engagement officer noticed that the pandemic period saw a wider demographic of people responding to council consultations, communications and initiatives than previously, including increased engagement from children and young people. There was a desire to harness and build on this increased engagement, so a range of initiatives were launched to educate residents on the council’s role and responsibilities.
Torbay Council needed to construct new sea defences at two beaches. The original design was met with substantial public opposition, demonstrating significant community ‘buy-in’ to the appearance of the seafront. The council decided to pause the project and commission new designs, created using co-design and consultation principles.
A pilot mentoring scheme for young people aged 11-18 living or attending school in the Sevenoaks district created in 2021, initially established in response to the effects of Covid-19 on the mental health of young people.
Bolsover District Council, in partnership with Coal Authority, D2N2 (Local Economic Partnership) and University of Derby looked at exploring the potential of mine water energy to heat and cool existing housing stock and future homes.
The Economic Strategy sets out a clear direction of travel for North Warwickshire, providing a long-term framework to deliver positive, focused interventions to secure a more sustainable economy.
Birmingham City Council’s public health team wanted a new way to engage with the different faith communities in their area. Recognising the innately personal nature of faith and health, the council developed a series of community profiles which reflected the individual faiths and their practices.
Bristol City Council worked closely with local third sector organisations and residents in deprived areas to revolutionise the way funding for local groups was awarded.