Future Scenario Planning for local policymaking : Lessons from Lancashire

Newton, Radka and Rindt, Jekaterina and Calvo, Mirian (2025) Future Scenario Planning for local policymaking : Lessons from Lancashire. Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, Liverpool.

Abstract

This policy briefing explores the application of Future Scenario Planning (FSP) to enhance local policymaking in Lancashire. By leveraging FSP, local policymakers can address complex challenges like achieving net-zero targets and planning for sustainable futures. The method involves developing multiple future scenarios to improve decision-making, encourage interdisciplinary thinking, and enable holistic policy approaches. The paper highlights insights from the "I-Connect" research team's work with stakeholders in planning for the Eden Morecambe Project, demonstrating FSP's capacity to foster stakeholder engagement and innovative policy solutions. The authors advocate for integrating evidence-driven imagination, place-based scenario development, placemaking and collaborative design to innovate local planning processes and meet the specific needs of communities.