The Local Government Assocation (LGA) has reiterated its call for the creation of a Local Government Centre for Digital Technology (LGCDT).
It has sounded the call, which it first made in June of last year, in its response to the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s publication of the new Blueprint for modern digital government.
Cllr Abi Brown, chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “Local government is at the heart of delivering a modern, digital UK, and is critical to achieving central government’s ambitions of transparent, next generation public services, boosting productivity and efficiency, and achieving inclusive economic growth.
“We are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the needs of our communities, and are fundamental to joining up public services and strengthening our data and digital infrastructure.
“While there are already impressive examples of digital innovation in local government, leading to cost savings and improved resident experience, progress has been uneven and a worrying disparity remains across the country.
“To truly unlock the potential of a digitally enabled public sector, central government must invest in a devolved and coordinated national effort to empower councils on their digital journey.
“A devolved operating model with a dedicated Local Government Centre for Digital Technology at its heart would help. The LGCDT would act as a central hub – working alongside regional innovation hubs– driving digital transformation across the sector, and ensuring that the benefits are felt by all councils and residents, regardless of their location or digital maturity.”
