Jointly commissioned by Local Government
Improvement and Development and the National Mental Health Development
Unit and written by the New Economics Foundation, this report
examines how local government can support a better life for its citizens
to help build resilient communities, both now and in the longterm.
The role of local government in promoting wellbeing is a
thought-provoking report which speaks to the heart of what local
government is about. While local government has begun to engage with the
evidence base on wellbeing, much more needs to be done. In becoming
‘wellbeing aware' at every level, local government has the opportunity
to think and act differently in order to realise cost savings, and at
the same time build healthier, more equal and more capable communities.
It will also help to enhance communities' abilities to participate in
the ‘Big Society' and in local decision-making.