Behind the scenes, technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in transforming public services. Over the past year, its rapid rise has been driven partly by the global momentum surrounding AI, but also by the government's push to modernise the public sector and boost efficiency.

In this issue of Government Technology, techUK look at the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, putting AI at the heart of public services reform. There's also an article looking at how AI is being used to identify properties at risk of damp and mould.

Socitm write about the findings from the data section of the 2025 Public Sector Digital Trends report, which found that data is improving public services.

Ordnance Survey's CTO Manish Jethwa discusses AI, data and digital transformation and how to keep moving forward with technological developments.

Meanwhile, IASME gives some tips for cybersecurity in 2025 and Social Security Scotland detail how new software has helped to consolidate benefit payments and deliver citizen-centric services.

We've also got features looking at how technology is being utilised in health and social care, logistics and fleets.

Polly Jones, editor