Test, Learn and Grow: One-year-on

Local leaders supported to drive change in their communities and improve public services with the launch of a new playbook to support decentralisation.

Upon taking office, the Prime Minister promised a clear break from centralisation, pledging to shift power away from Westminster and return decision-making to the people and communities where they live and work.

Launched today, the Playbook has been developed by the Test, Learn and Grow programme to help central and local government design public services to better meet the needs of local communities.

The programme works directly with local partners to design and deliver better public services. For example, Test, Learn and Grow supported Liverpool City Council to take a data-led, strategic approach to temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. Improving the use and quality of data led to nightly temporary accommodation costs dropping by 30%, saving £6 million.

Cabinet Office Minister, Sally Jameson MP, said:

The Prime Minister promised to take power away from Westminster and return decision making to communities.

We know local leaders are best placed to integrate public services and respond to the needs of their residents, which is why we must empower them to set the policies that work for their areas.

That is why I am so pleased to announce this Playbook that will help places adopt regionalised ways of working and further kickstart the biggest transition of power out of Whitehall.

Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: