Swindon Borough Council, GB
Unitary Authority in England
United Kingdom
Swindon Borough Council, GB deploys drones for streamlined roofing inspections in social housing
The borough's emerging tech team coordinated a drone inspection pilot across multiple departments. A drone equipped with multi-direction obstacle sensing and geofencing completed inspections in an average of 17 minutes. Drone inspections also identified hazardous materials and structural issues before they became costly issues. The now-permanent drone program achieved a 100% rate of first-time repairs and annual savings of £80,265 during the pilot.
Swindon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Swindon Borough Council, GB builds rapid document translation tool with Amazon Translate
The council's Emerging Technologies and Paediatric Therapy Service teams sought a cost-effective method for communicating in 100 languages. Swindon tested machine-learning systems with evaluations conducted by volunteer translators. The Amazon Translate platform was used to create a translation tool with an average processing time of 14 minutes instead of 12 days using agency translators. Borough officials expanded the tool's use to other departments for more accessible public documents.
Swindon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Swindon Borough Council, GB pilots slow cooker deliveries and demonstrations for low-income families
The borough provided free slow cookers to 60 families living in council homes. Slow cookers are less expensive to operate than ovens while allowing families to prepare inexpensive meals. Supported Housing Officers hold slow-cooking demonstrations in pilot communities and offer recipes for nutritious meals. This pilot - along with food and energy vouchers - turns national Household Support Funds into relief for families struggling with inflation.
Swindon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Swindon Borough Council, GB introduces in-reach pilot for vulnerable women in prison
Public health officials identified women frequently imprisoned on short-term sentences. The borough partnered with Nelson's Trust and Turning Point on a 24-week residential rehabilitation program. Participants move from prisons to supported living environments where they can address issues like mental illness and substance abuse. Project partners guide their clients toward counseling, volunteer work, and employment in hopes of reducing recidivism.
Swindon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Swindon Borough Council, GB funded Common Farm Solar Park through UK-first municipal solar bonds
The council-owned Public Power Solutions generated £1.8 million in bond funding for the 4.8-megawatt farm. A 20-year bond with a 6% interest rate was available for £5. An additional £3 million was supplied by the council to convert the disused farmland in Wroughton. The 98-day Common Farm drive led to a follow-up bond campaign for Chapel Farm Solar Park that raised £2.3 million in 42 days. Public Power Solutions reinvests 65% of profits from solar energy to community programs.
Swindon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom