William Eichler 16 July 2025

Government deploys ‘innovation squads’ in £100m pilot

Government deploys ‘innovation squads’ in £100m pilot image
© alphaspirit.it / Shutterstock.com.

Ten communities across England are set to be visited by ‘innovation squads’ as part of a £100m pilot to improve local services.

Part of the ‘Test, Learn and Grow’ programme, the teams will work with councils to support the delivery of initiatives such as Best Start Family Hubs.

Cabinet office minister Georgia Gould said: ‘The test, learn and grow programme will bring the centre of government out of Whitehall and into communities, working with those who deliver and use public services to solve problems together, as part of our Plan for Change.

‘We will reform public services from the ground up, so people always come first.’

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, said: ‘Across the country, local leaders see the potential for a radical redesign of public services, but at a time of intense change they need empowered leadership, sustained resources and mature data systems to deliver.

‘These 10 pilot areas for Test, Learn and Grow are an important next step and we look forward to working with government and local leaders to share learning and support the best possible outcome for the sector.’

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LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
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