The Government Digital Service (GDS) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are working with councils and local leaders to strengthen the use of digital technology, data and artificial intelligence as part of a new programme of ‘Digital Devolution’.
The 100-day programme began on 1st September and is intended to support the wider devolution agenda by helping local authorities develop the skills, systems and data infrastructure needed to make greater use of digital technology.
The work is focused on four areas: strengthening digital leadership, developing local skills and talent, improving access to data, and testing practical applications of digital technology and AI.
More than 300 people from local government and other organisations have contributed ideas to proposals for the digital and data element of the Government’s Rewiring the State Delivery Plan.
A workshop held at Number 10 North on 21st September brought together representatives from Mayoral Strategic Authorities and councils, alongside organisations including GDS, MHCLG, the Local Government Association, Socitm and the Office for National Statistics.
Discussions highlighted several barriers facing councils, including limited capacity, difficulties sharing data, inconsistent standards and the need for greater access to central government datasets.
Work is also under way to improve digital and data skills within local government. Applications recently opened for a Local Government Data Science Accelerator, designed to give participants practical experience in data science and AI that can be applied to their existing roles.
A further initiative, Get Tech Certified, is due to launch on 1st October, offering free access to industry-recognised learning and certification opportunities across the UK public sector.
The programme is also examining longstanding problems around data access and sharing. This includes developing reusable approaches to data-sharing agreements and exploring clearer ways for councils to request information from central government.
One focus is how better use of data could support efforts to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training.
The programme has also begun testing potential applications through practical projects. On 9 September, more than 100 people from local and central government, health, education and partner organisations took part in an Early Years Innovation Challenge.
The event explored how information about children’s development, currently spread across different services and systems, could be shared more effectively to support earlier intervention and reduce the need for families to repeatedly provide the same information.
Over the coming months, the programme will continue working with councils and Mayoral Strategic Authorities on digital priorities, skills development, data-sharing and innovation.
The first Local Government AI Accelerator is planned for October and will provide a 12-week programme for local government data professionals focused on applied AI and machine-learning engineering skills.
The GDS says the longer-term aim is to give local government the skills, tools and relationships needed to make more effective use of digital technology while maintaining appropriate governance and standards.
Photo: Marvin Meyer
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