From today, councils seeking to transform their public services through digital innovation can apply for a new £7.5 million fund, as announced by Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak MP at the LocalGovCamp event in Birmingham.
Minister Sunak urged local authorities to submit applications aimed at altering how they invest in technology, share expertise, and ensure high-quality digital services for the public. Grants of up to £100,000 will be available for projects that demonstrate a potential to benefit local public services and could be expanded nationwide.
Sunak highlighted how digital innovation is reshaping lives and acknowledged the ingenuity of local authorities in embracing technology to enhance public services. He cited examples such as apps for reporting fly-tipping and streamlined online systems for paying council tax as the type of innovative solutions sought through this fund. His invitation also extended to councils to join the Local Digital Declaration to support collective efforts in revolutionising public services.
The fund will also finance digital skills training for at least 1,000 staff engaged in developing digital solutions within councils. This initiative follows the government’s “digital pledge” made in July, backed by the same £7.5 million fund, which launched the Local Digital Declaration. The declaration aims to unify the efforts of local government digital teams in delivering superior local public services.
Additionally, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has established a new team to collaborate with councils, assisting them in fulfilling their declaration commitments. Local authorities interested in applying can find further information at localdigital.gov.uk/fund.
The launch of this fund represents a significant step towards enhancing public services through digital innovation, highlighting the government’s commitment to technological advancement in local governance.
