or areas progressing with LGR, and for those where plans are currently under review, this period of change creates an opportunity to take a fresh look at the community infrastructure that supports people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
The Government’s recent Schools White Paper and the accompanying SEND reform proposals represent a significant shift for local areas.
Delivering £487,950 in social value in 2025 – the equivalent of £260 per person, surpassing the national average of £230 – Warsop Health Hub is proving that well-designed community leisure can have a measurable and transformative impact.
Local authorities hold vast amounts of data across services, from housing and social care to customer contact and finance. Yet that information is often spread across disconnected systems such as spreadsheets, customer relationship management and service platforms (CRMs) and service platforms, making it difficult to build a clear, actionable view of residents
By rethinking the role of leisure and placing prevention at the heart of service design, local authorities can deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
The innovation foundation Nesta is offering free support to assist local authorities to develop their Best Start in Life national plans.
Alliance Leisure’s Will Gardner makes the case for co-location – bringing health, leisure and community services together within a single, integrated facility – to improve health outcomes.
Digital tools now offer councils a practical way to spot needs earlier and connect residents to help before they reach breaking point. Support for unpaid carers demonstrates the power of this approach.
The UK’s local government sector can free up much-needed cash by tackling the way it buys everyday items used in the world of work – meaning more time for staff and better value for local communities
Embracing digital procurement means local authorities can reduce spend, boost local communities and help meet net-zero targets.