VE Day: Council duties under the Armed Forces Covenant
As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Geoff Wild, Legal & Governance Consultant, looks at the duties of councils under the Armed Forces Covenant.
EXCLUSIVE: Rayner drops Brum inquiry plan
09/04/2025 Angela Rayner has dropped plans for a statutory inquiry that would have investigated Labour-run Birmingham City Council's failed rollout of an IT system. |
Birmingham's post Oracle scrutiny portal 'should help to better understand risks'
20/03/2025 A new online information site for scrutiny teams at Birmingham CC should lead to a better understanding of risk after the Oracle IT scandal, councillor says. |
Brum rejects independent inquiry call
18/03/2025 Birmingham City Council has rejected an opposition call for an independent inquiry into the botched implementation of an IT system. |
Council power outage ‘once in a lifetime event’
18/03/2025 A power outage that has affected Nottingham City Council’s core IT systems and phonelines since last Thursday was caused by a ‘once in a lifetime event.’ |
IT woes to cost Birmingham City Council more than £90m
21/02/2025 The failed implementation of Birmingham City Council’s new IT system could cost the taxpayer £90m more than was originally budgeted, auditors have revealed. |
Questions raised over Brum’s decision to issue s114
19/08/2024 A report has raised questions about the reliability of Birmingham CC’s £760m equal pay liability and called for an inquiry into the decision to issue an s114. |
Brum council spends £1m on bookkeepers
29/07/2024 Birmingham City Council has been forced to spend £1m on manual bookkeeping after the new Oracle software failed to automate the process. |
Council incurs £3.7m overspend on IT system
01/05/2024 Vale of Glamorgan Council took more than a year longer than planned to install a new IT system, leading to a £3.7m overspend. |
It’s a speed thing: digital transformation in local government
01/11/2023 Adrian Trickett, Vice President of Sales and General Manager of EMEA at Boomi, discusses why digital transformation projects in local government fail. |
Budgetary Breaking Point: Learning from Birmingham’s mistakes
04/10/2023 Claire Agutter from Scopism takes a look at why Birmingham CC's predicament is not an isolated case and how other councils can learn from their mistakes. |
Birmingham City Council stops all non-essential spending
06/07/2023 Birmingham City Council will stop all non-essential spending to deal with its equal pay liability and the fallout from the implementation of its IT system. |
Rowley orders Birmingham finance review over chaotic IT contract
25/04/2023 A Government-imposed governance review of Birmingham City Council has been expanded after massive failures in its accounts IT system emerged. |
Better together: how to retain IT talent in the public sector
21/12/2022 Arun Kumar, regional director at ManageEngine, looks at how the public sector can get over its digital skills problem. |
How to Perform A Cyber-Security Risk Assessment
06/12/2022 BT outlines how councils can conduct a cyber-security risk assessment, and the reasons for performing them. |
How can local government rise to the expectations of the UK Digital Strategy?
26/08/2022 Leo Hanna warns that meeting the government’s ambition for a new digital strategy will require an organisational step change within local government. |
Newport City Council digitally transforms with TechnologyOne SaaS solution to enhance internal operations
26/05/2022 Newport City Council is transitioning its finance systems to enterprise Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider TechnologyOne to help deliver a more connected experience for its user base of over 500 employees and wider supplier community. |
Helping an essential business through the pandemic
26/05/2022 Find out how BT has simplified and standardised the communications of the UK’s largest provider of meals on wheels. |
Legacy IT systems and their challenges
28/04/2022 Lorna Campbell explains how legacy data and digital transformation can work together. |
Is 2022 finally the year of the CIO?
11/02/2022 Max Jones details why he thinks 2022 will finally be the year of the CIO – and recommends five steps CIOs can take to make this prediction come true. |
Building a better user experience in local government starts with authentication
04/02/2022 Harry Scott-Trimble explains how councils can improve, and in some cases remove, authentication processes to create a better user experience for all. |
Local government must pivot technology spending to transformative digital delivery
04/01/2022 TechnologyOne argues that council should move away from spending on 'keeping the lights on' legacy IT systems. |
Connecting councils and providers to improve care services
10/12/2021 Amal Nawarathna explains how Barnet Council is using data and market insight to improve care quality assurance. |
Local government must pivot technology spending to transformative digital delivery
06/12/2021 TechnologyOne argues that council should move away from spending on 'keeping the lights on' legacy IT systems. |
From the millennium bug to online only: How planning systems have changed in 20 years
28/09/2021 Tim Bartlett reflects on his first days in the job implementing a new planning system, and how that very same planning system has continuously improved, updated and adapted over the last 20 years. |
Investigation warns council data for sale on dark web
20/09/2021 Thousands of compromised information available for sale to criminals operating on the dark web is connected to councils across the North East and North Yorkshire region, an investigation has revealed. |
Breaking the technical debt cycle in local government
27/08/2021 Iouri Prokhorov argues that for effective digital transformation to take root and to tackle technical debt, local government organisations need to learn from previous mistakes and habits. |
Research shows just half of local authorities employ a chief digital officer
23/06/2021 Less than half (49%) of local authorities employ a chief digital officer to oversee their digital transformation, according to new data. |
Councils charged triple the recommended mark-up on IT products
19/05/2021 Councils are paying more than three times the recommended mark-up on technology products, a new study has revealed. |
Cyber security in a post-pandemic world
18/05/2021 Mark Scott outlines how councils can build a secure cyber strategy and secure data for the long term. |
A third of councils experienced unplanned IT outages in past year
25/03/2021 Nearly a third (32%) of councils experienced unplanned IT outages in the past year, according to new research. |
Digitisation needs to be about evolution, not transformation
02/03/2021 Glen Ocsko calls on local authorities to take a ‘digital evolution’ approach to technology, staff and employment. |
Helping Merton Council go above and beyond for its community
23/02/2021 Bringing the right technology and expertise together to digitally transform Merton Council. |
Scottish council apologises for data breach
19/02/2021 Scottish Borders Council has apologised 'unreservedly' for a data breach affecting 600 customers. |
The five human impacts of ransomware attacks
25/01/2021 Jonathan Lee examines the human impact that five cyber attacked on public services had. |
Mobilising the social care workforce
15/01/2021 A continued drive towards more mobile public services is needed to help overcome social care challenges in the bleak winter months, says David McKinney. |
Criminals publish stolen council data online
07/01/2021 Data stolen from Hackney Council in a cyber attack last October has been published online by the criminals responsible. |
The local government low-code revolution
08/12/2020 Alex Yedigaroff explains how councils have used low-code platforms to deploy services at impressive speeds. |
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How the human factor has become crucial in local government IT success
21/10/2020 Richard Blanford explores why IT in local government is as much about partnerships and people as it is about technical competence. |
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How will data improve public services for citizens in the future?
19/10/2020 Paul Tomlinson explains how the public sector will build on its ability to be agile and responsive with digital solutions, breaking down silos, using data and building only on those platforms that enable flexibility. |
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Councils have 'minimal' awareness of cyber-threats, think tank warns
15/10/2020 Some councils are delaying the rollout of cyber security in order to reduce costs despite the increased risk of hacks due to the pandemic, a think tank has warned. |
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London council hit by ‘serious’ cyber attack
14/10/2020 Hackney Council has been the target of a ‘serious cyber attack’ that has affected its IT systems and services. |
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Automatic planning
13/10/2020 The new reforms mean local authorities need to mobilise, but is this what’s really required? Paul Beaney reports. |
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Is the pandemic doing the job of G-Cloud?
01/10/2020 As the pandemic see real changes in public sector IT procurement practices it is now crucial that they remain in place, argues James Cherry. |
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Cyber attack cost council more than £10m
06/08/2020 A ransomware attack in February cost Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council more than £10m, a new report has revealed. |
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How councils can use deception to fight cybercrime
15/07/2020 Carolyn Crandall outlines how local authorities can use deception as a defence against cybercriminals. |
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Moving to the cloud
17/06/2020 Cllr Dominic Twomey explains how the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham maintained and improved contact centre performance during a crisis. |
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BT: helping businesses to adapt and stay secure
04/06/2020 BT has stepped in to support the public sector to adapt to ever-changing conditions. |
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Research finds councils still vulnerable to ransomware attacks
20/05/2020 Nearly half of local government workers do not know what ransomware is, making councils more vulnerable to cyber attacks new research has warned. |
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Cyber crisis management
18/05/2020 Richard Stephenson outlines cybersecurity issues to be aware of during the pandemic and how to minimize risk. |
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Welsh councils given funding to tackle cyber crime
04/05/2020 Each council in Wales will receive a £9,000 grant to tackle the increase in cyber crime during the coronavirus pandemic. |
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How does the London Borough of Bexley crack cyber security?
24/03/2020 Neil Gooding, information security manager, London Borough of Bexley explains how they are cracking the cyber security challenge. |
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Finding the right IT outsourcing partner
13/03/2020 Denis Kaminskiy provides his top tips on finding the right IT outsourcing partner. |
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The cost of running on outdated software
14/02/2020 Chris Mountford warns local government must keep devices updated to protect its citizens. |
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A strong future for SEND services
29/01/2020 How did two non-IT people deliver a successful SEND digital transformation project? Vik Verma and Deborah Brooks explain. |
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Simple steps to improve cybersecurity
24/01/2020 Sameer Dixit argues security is a weak point in councils' armour and outlines ways local authorities can anticipate and plan for cyberattacks. |
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The flexible backbone of digital transformation
10/01/2020 Transformation is about continual change and needs versatile, flexible digital tools to deliver over the long term, says John Jervis. |
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Maximising tech spend
09/01/2020 David Beggs calls on local government to take a much broader view of technology to get the most value from it. |
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Power failure closes down council's headquarters
11/12/2019 A power failure has forced Dundee Council to close its headquarters for a second day. |
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Staying ahead of the curve at Cardiff Council
22/11/2019 As well as providing services for Cardiff Council's array of offices, PSBA’s network solutions are also used by 51,000 pupils, across 127 schools in the city. |
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Blue Badge: Achieving a citizen-first approach
18/10/2019 Paul Tomlinson explains how councils can balance the lack of standardisation with the Blue Badge service with their need for flexibility in designing and processing applications. |
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The safety of data on councillors’ personal devices
08/10/2019 Following the publication of the ICO data protection toolkit for local councils, Liz Page looks in detail at one of the issues highlighted: the use of councillor’s own devices being used for council work purposes. |
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Councils hit by 800 cyber-attacks an hour
04/10/2019 Councils have been hit by at least 263 million cyber-attacks in the first half of this year - the equivalent of 800 every hour - new research has revealed. |
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Councils being charged 'shocking' markup on IT products
30/09/2019 Councils are paying almost four times the recommended mark-up on technology products, new analysis has revealed. |
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True-blue network
13/09/2019 Find out how PSBA provides true-blue network to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. |
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Changing the way teams in Gwynedd work with PSBA’s services
11/09/2019 How PSBA has helped improve productivity at Gwynedd Council. |
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SD-WAN: A Cornerstone of Network Transformation
23/08/2019 Your network is fundamental to your digital transformation. Learn how SD-WAN can prepare your network for the future. |
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Digital public services that deliver
23/08/2019 Nick Pike explores the challenges facing chief digital officer in driving forward Local Digital Declarations. |
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Hyper personalisation in local government
15/08/2019 Local authorities failing to provide a hyper personalised experience for their residents will quickly find themselves losing the public trust, argues Matthew Chadd. |
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Making innovation possible
02/08/2019 John McMahon explains why standards drive innovation and user experience. |
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Fixing the plumbing
04/07/2019 With many councils often locked into large legacy IT systems, Dominic Baggott explains why the new local digital fund will help councils move in the right direction. |
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Councils and the complexities of cloud migration
17/06/2019 Richard Blanford explains why cloud adoption is naturally slower in local government. |
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Four steps to creating the ideal cloud-ready network
24/05/2019 How to plan and manage your network to unlock the rewards of the cloud. |
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The Golden Record: creating the Smart Council
05/04/2019 Richard Godfrey provides his insight into how councils can maximise the data at their disposal to create the golden record. |
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SD-WAN expert video: public sector
20/03/2019 BT Expert / SD-WAN – Simon Yellowley on Public Sector organisations |
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London ICT Framework
04/02/2019 There are hundreds of frameworks to choose from, helping your organisation to procure anything from office supplies to cloud services. But if you’re based in the capital, you might want to consider the BT London ICT Framework. |
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How to improve services and save money
04/01/2019 A housing authority has proved it is possible to save money, raise productivity, and improve customer service all at the same time. |
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Fact or fiction: Does SD-WAN really save you money?
11/10/2018 Download your complimentary copy of Gartner’s 2018 report: Fact or Fiction: Does SD-WAN Really Save You Money? to help you plan your SD-WAN implementation. |
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Nearly half of English councils using unsupported server software
24/08/2018 Nearly half of councils in England are still using unsupported server software, according to new research. |
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Exploiting digital opportunities
26/07/2018 How can councils improve their online services and engage citizens in a better way? Swati Kungwani reports. |
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Are councils embracing a 'Cloud First' approach?
22/06/2018 Darren Fields explains why local authorities should embrace cloud migration to drive citizen services. |
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Intelligent Connectivity – not a public sector pipe dream
22/06/2018 If local councils needs more resilient, agile capabilities to achieve their full digital potential, isn't managing connectivity intelligently the best way to achieve this? Phil Brunkard reports. |
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Leading the charge
25/04/2018 Paul Heath explains how Scotland could encourage collaborative IT purchasing in local government. |
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Councils lack a formal cloud strategies, says report
27/03/2018 The majority of councils are yet to formalise the way they use cloud computing in their organisations, new research reveals. |
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Two council websites hacked by crypto-coin miners
12/02/2018 Manchester City, Camden and Croydon council websites were among 5,000 sites ‘maliciously’ hacked over the weekend. |
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Councils recognised for ‘best’ cyber security
06/02/2018 Northumberland, Cardiff and Denbighshire councils have been named as three of the organisations best defending themselves from online scams. |
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Council websites ‘falling short’ on provision of care information
19/01/2018 Council social care teams are ‘falling short’ in their duties to provide online information, advice and guidance to the public, ICT body warns. |
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Glasgow signs seven-year IT contract to replace joint venture
15/11/2017 Glasgow City Council has selected software company CGI to deliver its IT services, as its £260m joint venture with public services provider Serco ends. |
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How councils can avoid corporate memory loss
04/07/2017 Peter Dunn outlines how local government can best address the corporate memory challenge. |
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Council ‘dissolves’ ICT joint venture
18/05/2017 Birmingham City Council has ‘dissolved’ a joint venture partnership that was designed to deliver ICT services across the council. |
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Devon town council held to ransom by hackers
07/02/2017 A town council in Devon has been held to ransom by hackers demanding thousands of pounds in return for public documents. |
