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.
Hillingdon Council explored the development of family hubs to bring together a support network for children, young people and families. Hillingdon self-funded its family hubs as the location was not a government funded family hub area, yet the council recognised the value of service delivery in this way. By focusing on collaboration across sectors and a flexible, community-driven approach we were able to develop a model that meets diverse needs and maximises existing community resources.
In 2010, the youth services in Blackburn with Darwen (BwD) faced budget reductions following the Government’s austerity measures, which impacted the availability of suitable youth services for young people
The North East Young Dads and Lads (NEYDL) provides intensive and often long-term support to improve the lives of disadvantaged young fathers, expectant dads and non-birthing people aged 25 and under.
Buckinghamshire Council has 8 community boards. These boards do not have devolved powers, instead working to facilitate strong partnership working to identify solutions to local issues, and have a budget to fund local projects that the community identifies as priorities
Cumberland Council has eight Community Panels with delegated powers and devolved funding. This model has empowered local councillors to take ownership of specified decision-making within their communities.
Moorlands Family Centre supports communities across a range of wards in Milton Keynes. It is located in Beanhill, in Woughton and Fishermead Ward, ranked in the 3% of the most deprived areas in England.
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.
In 2023, Brent Council’s Member Services team delivered a Local Democracy Week event aimed at engaging young people aged 11–18 in democratic processes.