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.
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COVID-19 case studies
Councils are doing remarkable work to address the challenges brought by coronavirus. Good
council practice related to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on our dedicated web hub.
Within Leeds, there are some areas which have high levels of alcohol-related harm and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB). This data led to Leeds’ licensing and public health teams working together to develop an alcohol licensing data matrix.
Following the tragic Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017, at which 22 people lost their lives, Manchester City Council proactively took steps to embed the principles of Martyn’s Law within the existing licensing framework to enhance and promote public safety in places and spaces where licensable activities take place in Manchester.
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 gave councils the responsibility for the licensing of scrap metal dealers and collectors, as well as the enforcement of the licensing regime alongside the police.
Water safety has always been a priority for Northumbria Police. When the hospitality sector reopened following its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many pubs, restaurants and bars began to encourage customers to eat and drink outside. In areas like Newcastle and Gateshead, this meant that many people were drinking next to the Quayside. Unfortunately, on warm days this led to a significant increase in reports of people participating in unsafe activity in the water, such as ‘tombstoning’ and jumping into the water with glasses full of alcohol.
NR3 has a simple objective of providing a mechanism for licensing authorities to record details of where a taxi or PHV drivers licence has been revoked, or an application for one refused.
The challenges in reopening hospitality in Westminster are very similar to those faced by local authorities across the country. This case study summarises how Westminster Council responded to these challenges in a coordinated way.
The Greater Manchester Regulatory Centre of Excellence has created a unique partnership offering regulatory support and advice to businesses, mainly through the provision of primary authority partnerships. However, the partnership had always wanted to offer more for businesses both to ensure greater compliance and generate additional income for the local authorities and fire service. This case study forms part of the productivity experts resource.
Partners Christchurch and East Dorset Councils identified licencing as an area of high demand and volume, with the majority of the process being handled offline.
The LGA has revised and updated its councillor handbook on gambling. Many councils have significant concerns about betting shop clustering and the use of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. While councils may not have the powers many would like in this area, there is nevertheless a range of tools they can use to shape local gambling regulation.