£7.5m Fund Launched for England's Councils to Improve Services through Digital Innovation

A fund for local authorities and central government departments in England to support digital innovation projects transforming public services is open

 

Earlier this year, the government made a commitment to help councils in England transform their digital public services, backed by up to £7.5 million of funding. The Local Digital Fund, which has now been launched, aims to help change the way councils use technology to design and deliver services, share expertise and ensure the public gets services focused relentlessly around their needs.

Grants of up to £100,000 will be available for projects which demonstrate they benefit local public services and have the potential to be rolled out more widely across the country.

In order to help local authorities break their dependence on inflexible technology, adopt the best digital ways of working and offer local services for less, the programme will also train around 1,000 local government staff in digital skills.

Local authorities and central government departments in England are eligible to submit an application, whether individually or in partnership with other local authorities. All bids will need to demonstrate input from at least two local authorities. While lead applicants must be from England, partnering applicants can be from elsewhere in the UK.

Launching the programme, Local Government Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, said:

“Digital innovation is re-shaping our lives, and many local authorities are at the forefront of embracing technology in ingenious ways to improve services for the public.

“Whether it‚Äôs an app to report fly-tipping, or a slick web solution to pay your council tax, we want to know the best ideas so we can help to make them happen.”

Stage one applications are now open, with a deadline for Expressions of Interest of 5 October 2018.

Find out more here.