£7.5 million pledged for council digital agenda

Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak has launched a new £7.5 million ‘digital pledge’ for local authorities to help them transform their online services.

Announced at the Local Government Association Annual Conference in Birmingham, it is hoped that the new initiative will change the way councils invest in technology, share expertise and ensure members of the public are receiving the best quality digital services.

The Local Digital Declaration has already been signed by more than 50 local authorities, government departments and partner organisations, securing a common vision for the future of local services and encouraging sharing the best innovation across the public sector to benefit people.

Local authorities across the country will also be able to bid for a share of a new £7.5 million innovation fund to help develop common solutions to their shared challenges.

Sunak said: “Whether it’s an app to report fly-tipping, or slick online services to pay your Council Tax, many local authorities are at the forefront of digital innovation. But there’s much more to do. Digital doesn’t belong in the basement, it belongs in the boardroom. I want councils and partners across the country to sign up to this declaration. By supporting each other and building on each other’s work we can revolutionise services for our residents.”