Since 2010, local authorities across the UK have had their income from the government cut by around 26% and been forced into finding new ways of meeting communities’ goals and challenges. One response, developed in London, is the Public Collaboration Lab which brings together local authorities in London with students from University of the Arts London ‘to provide a ‘de-risked space’ for council staff, university staff, students and citizens to collaborate… and experiment with new ways of designing and delivering place-based solutions to local challenges.’ Projects already undertaken include rethinking overcrowded living space, avoiding contamination in waste management, redesigning youth hubs and improving home library services.
