Improving Local Decision-Making

London’s deprived communities often suffer the combined effects of a poor local environment, poverty and social exclusion. Three out of the five most deprived Councils in England are in London.

Government, business and the third sector need the skills to design and deliver initiatives that meet different goals at the same time, and don't undermine each other. This is like seeing the opportunities for how a health project can help tackle climate change or how a local travel initiative can reduce social inequalities.

That's why LSx is working to give London’s local policy makers and practitioners the skills and tools to integrate policies on issues like health, housing, the economy and the environment. Our work includes:

• Surround Tool: we have developed an easy-to-use tool to help anyone designing or running a project or programme. The tool helps to pinpoint areas where a project could deliver more strongly, with advice and guidance. With funding from the Homes and Communities Academy. For more information and to launch the tool, click here.
• Local Area Agreements and SD: Delivering practical support and guidance to Boroughs to take a sustainable development approach to their LAAs.

Photograph by Paula Smith