London councils are working with design experts to ‘tackle tough social issues’ such as homelessness and homecare.
Six of the capital’s local authorities are taking part in a 16-week programme which will see design experts working with local leaders to come up with solutions to issues affecting their communities.
Westminster City Council, one of the six councils taking part this month, is hoping to redesign services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
‘We are really pleased to be invited to take part in this programme to explore how we can rethink our local offer for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and their families,’ said Clare Chamberlain, director of children's services for Westminster.
‘There are some great examples of innovation and a huge commitment locally but we know there is more to do to respond to rising demand and changing needs.
‘The programme provides a real opportunity for us to work collaboratively with parents and local providers to explore how we can better use technology, physical space and co-delivery with families to develop more integrated and inclusive experiences for young people and families.’
Delivered in a partnership between the Local Government Association (LGA) and the charity Design Council, the Design in the Public Sector programme is already working with 48 other local authorities in England.
Cllr William Nunn, chairman of the LGA’s improvement and innovation board, said: ‘We recognise that there is a growing movement of design thinking and innovation in public services and the LGA is keen to equip more councils with the necessary tools and knowledge.
‘As councils’ finances continue to get squeezed, we want to enable them to come up with radically different solutions to challenges faced so they can continue to provide excellent services to their communities.’
Apart from Westminster, the other London councils involved are Redbridge, Islington, Brent, Hackney and Haringey.
