UKAuthorITy, Phoenix Software and Microsoft are launching a new round of editorial research into the key digital, data and technology (DDaT) issues for local authorities facing a reorganisation
A major change is on the way for local government in England. The Government’s Devolution Priority Programme will consolidate councils in several parts of the country under the mayoral strategic authorities, with six areas confirmed and a target for inaugural elections in May 2026.
It will have major implications for the authorities involved, not least in their digital operations, with the challenge of consolidating systems, services and staff and presenting a unified face to citizens - all while minimising the disruption involved.
This will not be easy, especially as there have been no indications of extra funding to support the change, and they will be eager to learn lessons from councils that have gone through previous reorganisations.
Spotlight on issues
UKAuthorITy, in partnership with Phoenix Software and Microsoft, is launching a research project to throw a spotlight on the key issues, highlighting the problems to be expected and exploring ideas on potential solutions. It will examine issues such as the consolidation of legacy systems and identity services, software licensing arrangements, the ownership and migration of data, cyber security priorities, timeframes for change, procurement, new lines of authority, fears of job losses and the costs of change.
The project will involve a reader survey, a UKA Live discussion, a roundtable discussion between digital leaders in local government, publication of a white paper, editorial content and insight and a series of podcasts. It will provide a significant contribution to the debate around the digital implications of English devolution, and equip a wider range of authorities with perspectives that can feed into their own digital strategies.
We are keen to hear from local government DDaT leaders with experience of past reorganisations, or those facing change in their own councils today, or those with an expertise in key issues. Those with an interest in taking part in the roundtable discussions are welcome to contract our research director Helen Olsen Bedford at helen@ukauthority.co.uk.
Research partners supporting this programme
