Councils and housing associations should work together to secure better health and wellbeing outcomes for residents, an influential local government think tank has reported today.

A study issued by the New Local Government Network argues better and long-term service collaborations between local authorities and housing bodies could deliver mutual savings and deliver improved ‘wraparound' services for tenants, especially those with complex needs.

As well as key recommendations, the paper, entitled 'A design for life', also includes practical tools to drive successful joint partnership working between councils and housing associations.