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.
Since June 2018, Leicestershire County Council has developed a network of five community fridges located in family hubs across Coalville, South Wigston, Hinckley, Loughborough and Lutterworth. The initiative aims to reduce food waste by redistributing edible surplus food while offering practical support to families and vulnerable adults.
Tower Hamlets has developed a coordinated, multi agency approach to supporting families experiencing financial hardship. By aligning community partnerships, welfare advice, and health based financial pathways, the local authority provides practical, accessible support embedded within everyday family services.
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) works to ensure that all families—particularly those living in financial hardship—can engage in meaningful early learning experiences. Their approach emphasises no cost or low cost activities, inclusive practice, and reducing the mental load on parents.
Portsmouth City Council, led by Tackling Poverty Strategic Coordinator Katy Ricks, has adopted a multi layered, partnership driven approach to reducing poverty and strengthening resilience across the city. This case study outlines the council’s key interventions, collaborative structures, and the challenges they are actively working to overcome.
Accessible outdoor programmes run in partnership with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprises can build confidence, strengthen families, enhance early childhood development, and foster a fairer, greener future where people and nature thrive together
The council undertook a complete redesign of its corporate performance management system after the platform it had relied on for over a decade became increasingly costly, unreliable and poorly aligned with staff needs. The redesigned approach aimed to create a system that was user‑centred, transparent, and aligned with the council’s updated Performance Management Framework (PMF).
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, working closely with the NHS Targeted Vaccination Team and locally trusted organisations, engaged with target communities to improve uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Nottingham City Council partnered with focusgov to co-produce 'Plugz', a mobile app designed with care experienced young people to improve access to support, information and opportunities. Since launching in 2024, more than 40 per cent of Nottingham’s care leaver cohort are regularly using the app, with 774 users and a 326 per cent year-on-year increase. Plugz provides a central, accessible tool with real-time updates, direct communication and tailored local content. Increased engagement across features such as events and discounts demonstrates how co-produced digital tools can improve accessibility, strengthen participation and support both young people and practitioners.