William Eichler 19 August 2019

Councils urged to apply for £7.5m digital innovation fund

The Government has invited local authorities to apply for funding to help explore how digital technology can boost frontline services.

Local Government Minister Luke Hall today announced that the next round of applications for the £7.5m Local Digital Fund is now open.

Councils can apply for funds of up to £350,000 in order to research how to improve public services through innovative uses of digital technology.

‘Digital technology is transforming our lives. From smart tech at home to apps on our phones, it’s helping us to stay connected and making things easier,’ Mr Hall said.

‘Councils are on the front line of exploring how we can harness technology to improve services while saving taxpayers’ money.

‘Today we’re opening up the next round of applications for the Local Digital Fund. I would encourage all councils with innovative ideas that focus on residents’ needs to apply.’

Sixteen projects were awarded grants of up to £100,000 last year, with 57 councils working in teams to shape new digital services.

#Digital services #Funding #Innovation

How AI can support the local government accessibility challenge

With an EU Directive on the accessibility of online platforms coming into force, the public sector should act fast and step up with Artificial Intelligence, says Nathaniel Konzon.

Hyper personalisation in local government

Local authorities failing to provide a hyper personalised experience for their residents will quickly find themselves losing the public trust, argues Matthew Chadd.

Most Popular News

High Court overturns Highworth election result

MPs call for a ban on pavement parking

APSE to launch Local Government Commission

A household became homeless ‘every four minutes’ last year, figures reveal

Local government faces £25bn funding shortfall by 2025

Products

NEW PRODUCTS: Schueco Jansen

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Titon

CASE STUDIES: Playinnovation Limited

Senior Traffic Engineer

£32,029 - £34,788 per annum

Currently seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to manage our Traffic Team. East Riding of Yorkshire

Recuriter: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

ESCA Development Assistant

£20000 - £22200 per annum + Excellent Benefits Package

ESCA Development Assistants will work at the heart of the team to deliver administrative tasks in support of all programmes and projects across Children & Families and Adults and financial monitoring. England, Essex, Chelmsford

Recuriter: Essex County Council

ASC Senior Social Worker - Physical & Sensory Impairment Team

£38400 - £46475 per annum

Job Purpose ECC Adult Social Care, through effective practice, is moving towards a transformational shift from a focus on long-term care support, to a England, Essex, Harlow

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Operational and Commercial Services

£66,273.48 per annum

Looking for a professional with ambition and inspirational leadership qualities, with operational service and... Cumbria

Recuriter: Copeland Borough Council

Customer Service Assistant

£22,779 - £24,030 p.a. Inc.

An exciting and challenging opportunity has arisen within the Customer Services section. Wembley, London (Greater)

Recuriter: Brent Council

Local Government News

This issue of Local Government News explores how councils can tackle modern slavery and trafficking in their supply chains, finds out more about Cambridge's first cohousing scheme and the launch of a new project to build a shared service pattern library for local government.

This issue also contains a special focus on children's services and how councils are protecting children following local safeguarding children boards being abolished.