Bystanders or innovators? How local authorities can use place making to drive the green recovery

A new report published by APSE, researched and written by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), is calling for a national enabling strategy to place local government at the heart of a post-pandemic recovery, suggesting that its role in place making will be the core driver to a green recovery.

The report suggests that national economic success cannot be achieved unless this is rooted in more local actions, driving decision making in towns and cities across the UK; particularly as a multiplicity of public policy crises including housing need, climate change and COVID recovery combine to demand a more interventionist role for local councils in shaping local places.

The report examines how three different local authorities – Cornwall Council, North Ayrshire Council, and Birmingham City Council – have successfully done this, the different routes they took, and the challenges they faced. We also look to a fourth case study – Wales and its Future Generations Act – to examine how national legislative frameworks can drive and harness local innovation.

The report is also underpinned by a survey of 216 councillors and officers, largely from local authorities in England. This survey focused on identifying the key barriers both groups face in delivering national policy objectives and high-quality places. 

Download Full Report (pdf)

Notes to editors

1. APSE is the Association for Public Service, a not-for-profit organisation working with over 300 councils throughout the UK providing advice, support and research on frontline local government services. Contact Mo Baines, Head of Communication and Coordination [email protected] mobile 07971 84515 to arrange for interview or further information or Matt Ellis, APSE Communications Officer on [email protected] tel: 0161 772 181
2. The Town and Country Planning Association www.tcpa.org.uk (TCPA) is an independent campaigning charity calling for more integrated planning based on the principles of accessibility, sustainability, diversity and community cohesion. The TCPA puts social justice and the environment at the heart of the debate about planning policy, housing and energy supply. We inspire government, industry and campaigners to take a fresh perspective on major issues including climate change and regeneration.
3. The research is from a study by the TCPA for APSE which was launched on 12 July 2021 at a parliamentary event with Ruth Cadbury MP.  This is the seventh research project by the TCPA for APSE, the five previous research reports are Housing the Nation; Homes for all; Building homes, creating communities; Delivering affordable homes in a changing world; Housing for a fairer society; and At a crossroads. Together they provide a detailed overview of the housing and planning policy changes between 2010 and 2020. Each of the research projects can be downloaded for free from the APSE website.