Feasibility Studies / Business Cases
Town and parish councils of all sizes often carry out feasibility studies to assess the practicality, costs, and potential benefits of proposed projects or policies before committing significant resources.
These studies help councils make informed decisions by identifying risks, understanding local needs, and ensuring that initiatives are economically and socially viable.
In an era of tight budgets and increased public scrutiny, feasibility studies are crucial in demonstrating value for money and in securing stakeholder buy-in, including from funding bodies, community groups, and other tiers of government.
Challenges of in-house studies
The need for such studies is likely to increase in the wake of the government’s white paper on devolution, which encourages the transfer of powers, assets and responsibilities to local authorities. As local authorities take on more complex roles, the demand for thorough analysis to ensure the success and sustainability of local initiatives is expected to grow.
Carrying out feasibility studies in-house can present several challenges for local councils. It may be that the council lack the specialist skills or dedicated time required to conduct thorough and methodical evaluations, particularly when juggling day-to-day operational responsibilities.
There is also the risk of unconscious bias from people close to the project/issue which can compromise the objectivity and credibility of the findings. Along with the added pitfall that internal studies may not always carry the same weight with external stakeholders of funding bodies who are looking for impartial evidence to support decisions.
How we can help
Outsourcing feasibility studies to an independent, objective specialist can help overcome these issues. An external consultant brings a fresh perspective, specialist expertise, and methodological rigour, as well as the ability to challenge assumptions and explore alternative options without internal pressures. Their independence lends credibility to the findings, which can be crucial when engaging with partners, applying for funding, or justifying decisions to the public.
Furthermore, a well-executed independent study can save time and resources in the long run by identifying hidden risks and ensuring that projects are based on robust, realistic foundations.
Find out more about how LCC has helped local councils by reading our case studies Management & Feasibility Study for a Memorial Hall | LCC and Feasibility Study Case Study | LCC.
Get in touch
If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you, contact us and we can chat through your requirements and provide you with a quote for our services.