Resource Hub

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.

Commercial waste services are a vital component of effective Recycling and Waste Management strategies, directly influencing the reputation, operational efficiency, and financial health of local authorities.

Optimising these services can lead to significant improvements in performance and financial outcomes for local councils.

The Commercial Waste Toolkit is designed to support local authorities in evaluating and enhancing their commercial waste operations. A well-structured commercial waste service not only enhances service delivery but also drives profitability, market share, and adaptability to future policy changes. At Local Partnerships, we have a proven track record of helping local authorities successfully navigate these critical transitions.

Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Grant

We hosted a webinar to introduce the 2024-2025 ZEV and EVCI grant programme, which aims to support public sector organisations in Wales in their transition to zero-emission vehicles. The webinar was accompanied by a detailed slide deck that walked participants through the key aspects of the grant, including eligibility, funding details, and the application process.

The slides covered the main goals of the grant, such as promoting cleaner transportation and reducing carbon emissions, with specific targets for the adoption of ZEVs by 2025 and 2030.

Additionally, we provided guidance on related topics, such as sustainable staff travel, to help organisations align with broader decarbonisation efforts.

The webinar and slide deck were designed to give participants a clear understanding of how to take advantage of this funding opportunity and make meaningful progress toward greener transportation solutions.

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.