Creative Councils is a fantastic new programme from NESTA and the Local Government Group, which helps local councils turn their radically innovative ideas into reality. Over the next two years they will work with a small group of pioneering councils to develop their ideas, put them into practice and share what they learn with others in the sector.  

NESTA has chosen 17 councils to go through to the next stage of the programme. Over the next few months, they'll get practical help to challenge and develop their idea. The lucky councils are: Brighton & Hove City Council; Bristol City Council; Cornwall Council; Cambridgeshire County Council; City of Westminster; City of York; Derbyshire County Council; Essex County Council; Leicester City Council; London Borough of Havering; London Borough of Islington; Monmouthshire County Council; Reading Borough Council; Rossendale Borough Council; Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council; Stoke on Trent City Council and Wigan Council.

 You can view these, and the other ideas that didn't quite make it, below.

Their ideas are all about fixing the biggest long term problems facing communities and local services, and showing just how innovative local government can be.  Creative Councils is also about sharing and learning from ideas to help the sector work in a radically new way.  So take a look at the ideas on these pages, log in to ‘heart’ the ones you like and comment on the ones you'd like to help because remember that even though some are getting support from NESTA, they all need your help to make their idea a reality, so get bidding!

If you are not already a Simpl member, don't forget to register to take part in the fun, letting you 'heart' your favourite ideas and offer support with whatever resources you might have available.

To find out more about the programme check out their website, or contact the Creative Councils team by email or phone 020 7438 2500