11 Local government explained

This educational module is aimed at the drone and advanced air mobility industries to provide a guide to the functions and priorities of local authorities. The aim is to help industry to optimise their engagement with local authorities when selling services directly to them, seeking local authority support in developing an ecosystem of third-party drone operations and introducing advanced air mobility services into the community.

This educational resource was Commissioned by the Community Integration Working Group (CIWG) ~ Funded by UKRI Future Flight Challenge.

The world of local government in the UK is a complex, changing and confusing world to navigate. But at its core, councils have statutory responsibilities which they are mandated by government to deliver. Many are already using drones to carry out these duties – but different departments are using drones in different ways and planning for advanced air mobility is not yet on most council agendas. This module looks at council drone use-cases, procurement methodologies and the roles that local authorities play, and will play further, in developing eco-systems for third-party drone operations and advanced electric aircraft operations to support their communities.

The topics covered include:

  • How local government is organised and financed across the four nations of the UK
  • Responsibilities and priorities for councils
  • A high level view of how local authorities are currently using drones
  • The different council departments involved in drone services
  • The significance of net zero targets for councils
  • How advanced air mobility concepts could help councils deliver on net zero
  • Roles for councils in supporting the development of wider drone and AAM ecosystems
  • Procurement and tendering

Who should view these resources:

  • Senior decision makers and business managers responsible for strategic planning, business development, sales and marketing in pioneering, innovative companies
  • SMEs and micro enterprises
    • offering drone based and AAM solutions to support public sector and local government service provision
    • seeking to provide private drone based services within a local authority area
  • SMEs and micro enterprises providing AAM and drone solutions using local airfields / aerodromes to serve local communities and local councils

Materials presented:

  • Video summary of topic
  • Video transcript
  • Reference documents for additional reading
  • Reference resources via hyperlinks.

Requirements:

All resources can be accessed online using Smart Phone / Computer / Tablet.