William Eichler 18 July 2025

Reform council agrees Doge data sharing mechanism

Reform council agrees Doge data sharing mechanism  image
The Guildhall building in Northampton. © B Dorinel Photography / Shutterstock.com.

West Northamptonshire Council has become the first local authority to approve a mechanism for sharing sensitive information with Reform UK’s cost-cutting unit.

The Reform UK-controlled council approved the legal framework for data sharing after a request by the party’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

Cllr Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: ‘The proposed arrangements approved by cabinet ensure that the council is fully complying with the law when sharing data with the Doge team.’

However, critics have expressed concerns about local authorities sharing sensitive financial information with Doge.

Shadow levelling up secretary Kevin Hollinrake has previously warned Doge was a ‘cyber-security disaster waiting to happen'.

Jonathan Harris, the Liberal Democrat group leader on West Northamptonshire Council, told the BBC he had ‘lots of uncomfortable concerns’ because it's a ‘PR exercise’ for Reform.

To learn more about Reform UK, check out: Reform UK: What Britain’s fastest rising party stands for and Reform UK’s ‘Doge’ witch-hunts will achieve little.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner