Audience: Local Government
The Net Zero Scenario Planner, commissioned by WLGA and Welsh Government, supports councils to calculate approximate costs and carbon emissions of decarbonising their buildings estates at portfolio-level across three incremental scenarios towards a whole building approach.
Developed by Local Partnerships, this decision-making aid also considers Street Lighting and Fleet scenarios and provides timelines to the 2030 aspiration for a net zero public sector.
The Planner supports Audit Wales’ recommendation for costed decarbonisation action plans and assists the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales’ recommendation for climate resilience in the buildings of public bodies (see links below for further information).
Every council has been issued with a personalised Planner and guidance document based on their specific data (from a ‘point in time’ perspective).
Local Government Transformation webinar replays
Our transformation work supports local government as they consider how to make their services fit for the future. There are huge opportunities for the sector to make the most of new technologies, but customer expectations of services are high, and demand is increasing. The changing context of local government means that transformation is the new normal. We can support you to deliver effective change.
New Report – End Furniture Poverty – Cost-Benefit Analysis of Furnished Tenancies and Local Welfare Assistance
This report, commissioned by End Furniture Poverty (EFP), explores the benefits of Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) schemes and furnished tenancies in tackling furniture poverty, which affects 9% of the UK population. LWA schemes provide crisis support, such as furniture and fuel vouchers, reducing demand on homelessness services, health systems, and social services while delivering significant economic returns for local authorities and the public purse.
Furnished tenancies help prevent furniture poverty, promote tenancy sustainability, and reduce costs for tenants and landlords, with additional benefits like improved health, educational engagement, and work readiness. The report calls for the expansion of these initiatives, including legislation to ensure all social housing tenants have access to furnished tenancies, and introduces EFP’s “Furniture Flex” offer to simplify implementation for social landlords.
Welsh Government’s Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP)
Watch the replay of our insightful webinar on the Welsh Government’s Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) Programme. Discover how this whole-systems approach is helping Wales achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with highlights including a Newport case study showcasing the benefits of local decarbonisation. Gain valuable takeaways on stakeholder engagement and collaboration with distribution network operators for effective implementation. If you have any questions or need support, feel free to use our ‘Can we help?’ forms or contact any of the experts listed.
Read the latest Refit case studies 2024
Discover how UK institutions, including universities and local councils, are advancing toward carbon neutrality. These case studies showcase the practical steps taken through the Refit framework, from integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels to upgrading outdated infrastructure with efficient heating systems. Each example highlights the substantial cost savings and carbon reductions achieved, reflecting a shared commitment to a sustainable, greener future.
The newly released report, Constructing Consensus: The case for community-powered development and regeneration, presents evidence and insights from current practices, showing that when local communities are involved early and meaningfully in housing and regeneration projects, they tend to support new developments and demonstrate real ambition.
The report outlines strategies to overcome the adversarial planning process that often pits communities against councils and developers, enabling development to proceed more efficiently, while delivering both the quantity and quality of housing needed.
Key recommendations include empowering local authorities, enhancing community participation in planning, and revising policies to support community-led development. The report proposes a shift toward a more collaborative approach, ensuring that communities have a voice in shaping the future of their local areas.
In 2021, the Place team at Local Partnerships secured an LGA grant and launched an SME pilot initiative with three local authorities.
Under this initiative, councils have been approved to contract a select group of SMEs in their areas to forward-purchase newly constructed affordable homes off-plan, paying in stages at a fixed price. This initiative complements other supply-side actions the councils are taking to unlock new-build affordable housing and expand council-owned stock. Councils work with local SMEs, who identify suitable sites and secure planning permission as usual.
Building on the pilot’s success, Local Partnerships has collaborated with other councils, including Rotherham Borough Council, which is now developing a new SME kickstart initiative. This initiative provides a fast-track route for SMEs to build homes on small sites within Rotherham Borough that they secure themselves.
If you’re interested in learning more about how this approach has successfully delivered high-quality, affordable homes in Rotherham—and how it could benefit your area—watch our webinar webinar.
“PFI Expiry: How London Boroughs Can Get Ahead” is a research-based guide produced by Future of London, in partnership with Devonshires and Airey Miller, on the impending expiry of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts across London boroughs.
The report aims to offer practical insights and recommendations to help local authorities manage the complex challenges of PFI expiry while seizing the opportunities for improved public service delivery.
This research, conducted throughout 2024, draws on desk research, polls, roundtables, and in-depth interviews with borough directors and officers. The findings highlight the significant risks associated with inadequate preparation for PFI expiry, including financial losses and operational disruptions. The report also presents five key factors for success, based on real-world insights, to help boroughs mitigate these risks and optimise outcomes.
The document provides a clear roadmap for local authorities, offering guidance on how to navigate the expiry process, build necessary expertise, and engage stakeholders effectively. Additionally, it includes recommendations and resources for boroughs to enhance their PFI readiness and make informed decisions that benefit their communities in the long term.
Housing acquisitions – insights and practical guidance on housing delivery vehicles
In the face of a broken housing market, many councils are using housing delivery vehicles to acquire existing properties rather than build new homes. While this can speed up delivery and make good use of existing stock, there are challenges, such as repair costs, ensuring ongoing benefits, and potential impacts on the private rented sector. In this webinar we share both successes and lessons learned, and guide councils to resources to support their decision-making. Ideal for Directors, Heads of Service, and Policy/Strategy Officers interested in housing and property.
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