The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation has published new analysis on the use of data in local government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Drawing on findings from a forum attended by local authorities across the country, in which they explored changes to data use during the pandemic and discussed barriers to data-driven innovation, the advisory body has stressed that action is needed to maintain councils’ momentum in supporting communities through data-driven innovation.

It says that the coronavirus crisis has accelerated the innovative use of data at a local level, with a range of data-driven interventions launched or repurposed during the pandemic. Examples include: the use of the ‘VIPER’ tool by local authorities in Essex, which has enabled emergency services to share data in real time; Argyll and Bute Council’s trial of drone technology to deliver vital medical supplies across its islands; Glasgow City Council’s online platform to promote social distancing; and Hackney Council’s analysis of internal and external datasets to help them identify residents who are vulnerable to coronavirus.

The organisation also reports that health data has been shared with local authorities in new ways, such as local authorities receiving access to the NHS shielding patients database, allowing authorities to better target support, including food parcels and pharmacy deliveries, to vulnerable individuals. Authorities have also had more success in changing how they deploy existing datasets than in acquiring or sharing data with central government or local service providers.

However, local authorities are grappling with long-standing barriers to data-driven innovation, including skills gaps, poor data quality, lack of legal clarity and funding challenges. The CDEI highlights that there remains a reluctance among local authorities to be a ‘first mover’ in what is perceived to be a high risk environment. Therefore, progress is unlikely to be made without dedicated action from central and local government.

The CDEI says that, without increased investment and an improvement in data skills, local authorities will struggle to retain and build on recent progress. In its National Data Strategy, the government has outlined an ambition to strengthen skills, improve access to data, and offer greater regulatory clarity, and has committed to working to better support local government in maximising the benefits of data.

Edwina Dunn, board member for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, said : “Almost every aspect of local government has required at least temporary reform during the pandemic. Data and data-driven technologies have played an important part in enabling local authorities to respond to the Covid-19 crisis, helping to inform public health measures, protect the most vulnerable in local communities, and keep public services running. With the right support, councils can retain and build on efforts to utilise data effectively, in a way that is in keeping with the expectations of their residents, to provide local services communities can rely on. The CDEI is looking forward to continuing to work with the government, as well as with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders, on this important agenda.”