Research and policy recommendations: Empowering healthy neighbourhoods

Client: Local Government Association

Project type: Research and policy development

Location: England

Timeline: March – September 2024

Project output: Empowering healthy places report

What was the project?

Commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) and delivered in collaboration with Prior + Partners, this project explored how local councils can use their existing planning and public health powers to create healthier neighbourhoods. The project resulted in a comprehensive guide detailing these powers, practical case studies, and a series of actionable recommendations for both councils and the national government.

The guide provides councils with a holistic approach to creating healthy neighbourhoods. It highlights ways councils can improve existing neighbourhoods and shape new developments, aiming to empower them to reduce health inequalities and deliver long-term wellbeing.

The guide was designed to inform a wide range of council departments, including planning, housing, public health, and environmental health.

What did we do?

We collaborated with Prior + Partners to deliver the following:

  • Case study development: We conducted in-depth research and interviews with four councils, highlighting successful interventions and inspiring other councils through detailed case studies.
  • Workshops: We organised an online workshop with stakeholders, including council staff and public health experts, to validate findings and co-develop solutions.
  • Policy recommendations: Drawing from a gap analysis led by Prior + Partners, we crafted clear, practical recommendations for councils and national policymakers.
  • Final report: We contributed to the report’s development, ensuring its content was accessible and actionable for councillors, officers, and partners.

The project followed a structured process:

  1. Research and consultation: We collaborated on an extensive literature review and consulted with experts to validate the findings.
  2. Case studies: Our team conducted semi-structured interviews with council stakeholders, capturing diverse approaches to creating healthy neighbourhoods.
  3. Stakeholder engagement: A workshop brought together representatives from councils and public health organisations to refine the recommendations and identify gaps.
  4. Policy development: Using the Quality of Life Framework, we structured recommendations to ensure alignment with practical council needs and strategic national goals.

What was the impact?

  • The project directly reached over 400 stakeholders through an LGA webinar presenting the findings, including elected members and officers from planning, housing, and public health departments.
  • The recommendations informed responses to the government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework, advocating for enhanced support for councils to deliver healthy places.

By aligning with the Quality of Life Framework, the project emphasised evidence-based planning and the consistent evaluation of long-term health and wellbeing outcomes. This work empowered councils to take a more proactive role in fostering healthier communities and strengthened the LGA’s ability to make the case to government for greater support in this are

What did they say?

“The Quality of Life Foundation has been an invaluable partner in our most recent project. Their expertise and professionalism have consistently exceeded our expectations. The team’s ability to deliver high-quality research and insightful stakeholder engagement (including leading workshops with key stakeholders), all while adhering to deadlines, has significantly enriched our learning throughout this piece of work. We highly recommend the Quality of Life Foundation for their dedication, thoroughness and outstanding work.”

Emily Hackett, Adviser – Public Health, Local Government Association