Connected Communities
Local Futures is involved in the exciting Connected Communities project. So far, over 50 councils all over the UK have subscribed to the programme but the number is growing by the day. We are working together with The Leadership Centre for Local Government, The Campaign Company and Westco. The aim of the project is to give local councils a much deeper understanding of the drivers for low community cohesion in some parts of the community, and of the values and behaviours of people.
We are using Local Knowledge and the geodemographic OAC classification to provide a sound evidence base, culminating in a summary place profile for every local authority involved, which gives a comprehensive overview of their social, environmental and economic situation. In addition, we model their local Place Survey data into OAC.
This project is a prime example of how OAC can be used: in conjunction with the national, regional and local data we already hold in Local Knowledge, modeling hyperlocal Place Survey data into OAC gives the councils a more robust and detailed view of their customers, citizens and communities. This means they can be more effective in their cohesion and engagement activities, delivering better services and saving money in the process.
The initial responses have been extremely positive. Our new summary place profile has been welcomed, especially by high-level policy makers, and our OAC modeling is really bringing the possibilities of OAC alive. We hope this project is not just an excellent launch of our summary place profiles, but also a stimulant for every local authority to make better use of OAC.
If you have any questions about this project, or you would like to know more about place profiles or OAC and how we can help you, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
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Upcoming training courses and events
We will be at the LGA's annual conference at Bournemouth International Conference Centre on 6-8 July. Come and see us on stand P33a and pick up your free Place Profile.
In addition to our regular training sessions for our users, we organise bespoke training sessions. These are usually held at our offices. Some of these sessions are open to non-subscribers too.
Our new course "How to use Local Knowledge to prepare your Local Economic Assessment" is receiving excellent feedback. We have not yet set the date yet for our next training but please let us know if you'd like to be invited, either by emailing us or filling in the online booking form.
 Online booking form (can be used to book training and events)
 paper booking form OAC training - email, fax or post back
Click here for the terms and conditions.
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Health Barometer Full report as pdf:
Tackling health inequalities has become a frontline issue across both national and local government in recent years. Yet while the Department of Health (2008) stresses that they are unacceptable, they also acknowledge that they are ‘stubborn and persistent’ and thus not easily managed.
Despite huge efforts to address socio-economic deprivation and improve the standard of healthcare, considerable health inequalities persist across the country. While the average life expectancy for the country continues to grow year-on-year, so does the gap between those living longest and those with the shortest life expectancy.
Local Futures’ latest research explores the geographic pattern of health in England and Wales, using newly released average life expectancy data from the office of national statistics as a proxy measure. The data shows that average life expectancy varies considerably across the country. Indeed, the analysis reveals an entrenched north-south divide, with individuals in districts in the south of England outliving their counterparts by up to nine years. The report shows that the lowest life expectancies are found around Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Tyneside. While at the other end of the scale, districts with the longest life expectancy are generally found on the south coast, in affluent parts of the south-east and parts of East Anglia.
 Source: Local Knowledge; Life expectancy at birth
Please email Michael Dee to receive the data annex for this barometer or for further information on this topic.
All of the data in our monthly barometers are also included in our Local Knowledge online system, which allows you to analyse places in Britain from regions down to neighbourhoods. It provides an easy-to-use and shared evidence base, for a range of research and policy applications.
Place Profiles are electronically created reports that provide a high-level analysis of areas from sub-regional through to neighbourhood level, on a range of economic, social and environmental themes. These themes include a health profile, which outlines the performance of your area on life expectancy and health behaviours. Please email placeprofiles@localfutures.com to request further information on this report or go to Place Profiles to see the full range of topics we produce.
Maptube
The maps from this barometer are also available on maptube here.
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July/Aug 2009 newsletter |
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