Councils’ efforts to digitalise are being hindered by a lack of funding and guidance, a new report has found.
The report by Vodafone on digitalising local government found this was preventing the sector from realising the potential for improved, more efficient services.
Through interviews with chief executives and digital leaders, the report found councils were ‘approaching digitalisation from very different starting points, including varied budgets’.
Barriers include a lack of funding, technology procurement procedures that stifle innovation, and a ‘disconnect’ between central Government and local government in terms of ‘incentives, organisation and guidance’.
Vodafone’s head of small, medium and enterprise business, Claire Harris, said councils were ‘still lacking what they need to play a full part in the journey’ and that ‘new funding mechanisms are urgently needed’.
The report recommended the creation of a local government digital fund and for each authority to come up with a 5G adoption plan.
It also advocated a series of regional innovation and technology offices jointly created with central Government and run by combined authorities where they exist.
Ms Harris added: ‘In the years ahead, more needs to be done to ensure that all local authorities can make the most of the digital future and are supported to do so.
‘We recognise that the current economic climate is particularly challenging and there is an increasing strain on government services, but continued investment in digitalisation will ensure that councils can deliver high-quality services both now and in the future.’
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).
