The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched a Digital Pathfinders Programme with a promise of support of up to £20,000 each for a number of projects led by local authorities.
It is the first programme of its type run by the LGA, and is aimed at supporting councils across England and Wales in improving digital inclusion, connectivity in their communities and cyber security.
It said it is looking to support projects that involve digital innovation in meeting the needs of local communities within three challenge areas and which are scalable, sustainable and can be transferred between authorities.
Submissions are being taken until 12 September through an expression of interest form and there is more detail on the programme page on the LGA website. The LGA will then assess which ones to support and the amounts of money to be allocated.
It said the relevant councils will own the projects but that it will work with them on the delivery.
Place shapers
Councillor Peter Fleming, chair of the LGA’s improvement and innovation board, said: “We’re delighted to be providing this opportunity to help support councils deliver services to their residents in new and innovative ways. As place shapers at the centre of their communities, councils have a fundamental role to play in helping enhance and improve the digital connectivity of their local areas.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of greater digital connectivity for businesses and communities across the country, with councils leading the way in transforming their services in response to this. We want this important programme to help efforts to improve digital connectivity, accelerate digital inclusion and keep services and residents safe from the threats surrounding cyber security.”
Similar initiatives have been run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and NHS Digital, usually based on specific themes such as improving social care or widening digital participation.
Image from iStock, Boonyachoat
