The Government has announced a series of grants to councils in a bid to capitalise on fast-track digital programmes introduced during the pandemic.
Local government minister Simon Clarke announced £800,000 Local Digital Fund grants to 11 authorities to help modernise services.
He said councils had adapted services during the pandemic, using technology to shift from in-person to online delivery. ‘I am determined we capitalise on this and use everything we have learned to improve efficiency and make services better for residents and communities,’ he said.
‘That’s why we’re giving them £800,000 to build on the rapid digital innovation of recent months so that local communities continue to feel the benefits of more efficient public services.’
Writing exclusively for The MJ’s website, www.themj.co.uk, Mr Clarke said: ‘This cements the long-term trend that councils embracing digital technology has huge potential to deliver better, smarter services and simultaneously save taxpayers’ money, while proper investment in the right infrastructure can make cybersecurity stronger too.’
The projects include:
- £80,000 for Camden LBC to make it easier for people to have their say on planning
- South Gloucestershire and Kingston upon Thames will jointly receive £80,000 to increase online access to public meetings
Other recipients of the grant include Leeds City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Manchester City Council, Bolton Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
