Birmingham, Copenhagen and Rotterdam have successfully met the challenge of migration and research by the thinktank, Institute of Local Government Studies, has identified the critical success factors in their achievements.
The INLOGOV report ‘Governance of Migration: Strategies for European Cities’ describes migration as a major challenge for councils and the situation is aggravated by a poor understanding of the issue across local government. 

Somerset County Council has managed to achieve efficiency saving of nearly 27 million pounds over the past three years, exceeding the government’s target of 22.56 million pounds by 20 per cent.
Nearly 19 million pounds of savings were achieved through improved contracts with suppliers, and also maintaining services despite a reduction in Government grants. The most significant savings were in the areas of Adult Social Care, Supporting People, and Waste. 

Keeping citizens informed about the performance of their council is progressing from an accountability requirement towards creating a lever to raise efficiency and effectiveness. Research commissioned by Communities and Local Government showed wide variation in practice, cultural barriers and little enthusiasm to promote timely and meaningful publicity.