A new government department has launched to help councils across the UK make everyday services easier, faster, and more accessible for residents.
The new GDS Local unit will be located within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
GDS Local will work with councils so that residents could eventually use GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK App to access both national and local services through a single account.
There will be reform to how councils buy technology, removing “ball and chain” contracts which see councils locked into long-term agreements with single suppliers and giving councils more control and choice.
Councils will also be supported to share anonymised data on issues like homelessness trends or service demand through the Government Digital and Data Hub to facilitate sector-wide learning and the ability to scale innovations that work.
Minister for Digital Government, Ian Murray, said: "For too long, local councils have been left out of the digital transformation happening across central government, despite delivering the services that matter most to, and are closest to, people’s lives.
"That changes today. GDS Local will help end the postcode lottery for digital services, giving every community access to modern, joined up and reliable online services. This is about making government work seamlessly for people wherever they live and delivering the world-class local digital experience they rightly expect."
The Liverpool City Council Region Combined Authority has already been working closely with GDS, demonstrating how central-local collaboration can accelerate digital transformation and improve services for residents.
Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Innovation, Cllr Liam Robinson said: "GDS Local is an important step forward in transforming public services through collaboration and innovation and I am delighted the government chose to launch this initiative here in the City Region, where we are already putting these principles into practice.
"Our first-of-its-kind Community Charter on Data and AI, developed by residents, sets out how technology can be used responsibly to improve lives. Through the AI for Good initiative and Civic Data Cooperative, we’re harnessing data and AI to tackle real-world challenges - from improving healthcare to tackling misinformation.
"And with the new Office for Public Service Innovation, we’re going further – using data, technology and fresh ideas to break cycles of deprivation, drive early intervention and create lasting opportunities in our communities."
