Audience: Local Government

Business case related member decisions

It has always been important that significant investment and transformation decisions are subject to rigorous challenge and are evidence based. The increasing pressure on councils’ finances over recent years has only served to make it even more vital that well written and presented reports for members relating to complex business cases are developed by officers to ensure sound decision making by councils.

This business case related member decision document provides good practice guidance for officers regarding how best to develop and present a report for members to make a significant decision.

The prioritisation matrix is an invaluable tool designed to assist decision-makers in identifying the most promising change projects to advance.

Through Local Partnerships transformation offer, we supported more than 15 authorities in 2023. Our work ranged from developing practical tools and conducting options analyses to providing strategic support, consistently driving impactful and informed decision-making.

Local Partnerships is excited to share with you this year’s Impact Report 2023 – 2024.

This year we have created this microsite within our website to help you navigate and read through the whole report. Please use the links below to download the PDF or access the microsite.

Climate Action Plan: Decarbonisation and Helping schools to decarbonise

Schools collectively spent £630m per year on energy costs in 2019, which is likely to be higher with current prices1.  They are responsible for 24% of all public sector building emissions in England2 and, following the launch of the Department for Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy, will be required to have a climate action plan in place by 2025.  

While many schools sit outside of a local authority’s direct control, they are a significant contributor towards your area-based and/or Scope 3 emissions. So how can local authorities support schools to reduce costs and emissions? 

Local Partnerships has collaborated with the Energy Systems Catapult and Ashden to develop decarbonisation guidance for schools’ sustainability leads, be that operational staff, teachers or school governors.  

Using mapping tools to help councils make decisions – how geo-analytics can support decision making.

The webinar covers : how mapping tools can improve decision making in the design and delivery of council services  what data, tools and inputs are required to develop an effective mapping tool  how users practically use a recent mapping tool we developed to get the insight they need other use cases where similar mapping approaches could support councils

Whether it be public or private sector, the role of offices and the workplace has changed drastically since the pandemic, with the need for space in terms of both quantity and type altering significantly. It also has an impact on work styles, organisational culture, the wellbeing of staff and carbon emissions.

Local Partnerships and ACES explore issues with some notable experts, including Jackie Sadek, Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor, and commentators in our “Offices for Good” series.

Ynni Cymru energy seminars are now available to watch on demand. Delivered by the Ynni Cymru team in partnership with Local Partnerships, these free seminar replays will help you understand today’s energy systems and explore how we can work together to design a system fit for the future.

As part of the Cooperation Agreement, Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government share an ambition to establish a publicly owned energy company for Wales – Ynni Cymru. The company’s mission is to expand community-owned renewable energy generation and support the growth of Smart Local Energy Systems across Wales.

By accessing the Ynni Cymru energy seminar replays, you can catch up on expert insights into energy generation, distribution, and management – and see how your community or organisation can play a part in building a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Contract Management Pioneer Programme (CMPP) contains a range of tools, templates and guidance specifically for local authorities.

CMPP is an award-winning partnership to support good practice in contract management offering training, networking and direct support. Accredited training is provided through the Cabinet Office, whilst Crown Commercial Services and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government have provided resources to enable Local Partnerships to provide wrap-around support for participating councils.

The tools, templates and guidance have been developed in conjunction with local authorities to ensure they are relevant and useful.  Based on demand there will be continued additions – so let us know if there is something more you would like, please get in touch here CMPPenquiries@localpartnerships.gov.uk