Sharing learning in the Innovation Zone
The best ideas in local government rarely stay in one place for long. This year’s Innovation Zone was designed to help councils and combined authorities share them.
Across three busy days at the LGA’s annual conference, and in well-attended sessions, councillors and officers shared authorities’ experience of what had worked and the challenges they faced.
That openness is one of local government’s greatest strengths and sits at the heart of sector-led improvement.
The clearest message from this year’s Innovation Zone programme was that councils are not waiting for change to happen to them – they are shaping it.
Whether embracing new technologies, redesigning services around prevention or responding to local government reorganisation (LGR), speakers demonstrated how local government is adapting, innovating and learning together.
Some of the most popular sessions focused on LGR and devolution. For example, Surrey County Council shared practical lessons from its reorganisation programme, while Westmorland and Furness reflected candidly on life beyond vesting day.
Common themes emerged: successful reorganisation takes time and is about more than structural change. Building strong relationships, organisational culture, open communication and bringing people together early were identified as critical aspects of any process.
Speakers observed that keeping services running while change is happening is challenging, but key.
Prevention was another defining theme. Hertfordshire County Council showcased how data and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping identify unpaid carers before they reach crisis point, while Wigan, Essex, and Eastbourne and Lewes councils demonstrated how prevention can become the organising principle for whole systems.
The emphasis was on building on people’s strengths, working in partnership with communities and adapting systems to unlock better outcomes.
Technology featured prominently and the discussions were practical. Presenters explored how digital tools, automation and better use of data are reducing administrative burdens, improving performance management and strengthening decision-making, including through use of AI.
The message was clear: technology is most powerful when it supports professional judgement, improves data quality and gives leaders a single, trusted version of the truth.
Digital, data and technology also emerged as critical aspects of effective reorganisation.
The Innovation Zone highlighted the important role councils play in shaping places. Sessions on local growth, community energy, housing, regeneration and culture showed how collaboration between councils, partners and communities helps create more resilient places and deliver lasting benefits.
Speakers also highlighted the important roles of town and parish councils and new ways of working together on community-based solutions.
Across the lessons shared, the Innovation Zone showcased that councils and combined authorities are delivering remarkable solutions in the face of significant challenge and change.
Each year, this event plays a vital role in capturing these insights – both successes and setbacks – so that learning informs and strengthens improvement across the sector.
My thanks go to every local and combined authority, partner, sponsor, and member of the Improvement Committee Member Working Group and LGA team who contributed to this year’s programme.
Presentation slides will be available on the LGA website, alongside a publication capturing learning from the Innovation Zone, ensuring councils and combined authorities across the country continue to benefit from knowledge shared.