Digital Services Upgrade for UK Councils

The UK is taking a major step toward modernising everyday public services through the launch of GDS Local, a new government unit designed to help councils deliver faster, simpler and more accessible digital experiences. The move aims to reduce long-standing inequalities in how residents access essential local services, ensuring that everyone can benefit from modern technology regardless of postcode

Developed within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the initiative brings central and local government expertise together to reshape tasks such as managing council tax, reporting issues, applying for licences or accessing community support. It marks the start of a coordinated national effort to align local digital systems with the tools already used across central government, including GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK App.

GDS Local has been launched at a moment when many councils face rising demand for services alongside ageing digital infrastructure. The new unit aims to close these gaps by providing direct support, shared expertise and new pathways for collaboration. By working with councils across the UK, the government hopes to improve daily interactions for residents while strengthening councils’ control over their technology budgets and procurement choices.

Improving Everyday Services for Residents

The programme will initially focus on helping councils adopt GOV.UK One Login, allowing residents to access both national and local services through one secure account.

This unified approach aims to reduce confusion and streamline processes, particularly for individuals who must frequently switch between national systems and council portals. Moreover, councils will gain access to the GOV.UK App, offering mobile-friendly tools for essential services.

Additionally, GDS Local plans to assist councils in simplifying routine processes that millions rely on every year. These include applying for school places, managing household finances, reporting potholes, arranging waste services and seeking local support.

Councils will receive guidance on design standards, user experience and accessibility to ensure that services are easy to navigate for residents of all ages and abilities.

Transforming the Local Government Technology Market

A central part of the programme is helping councils move away from restrictive long-term technology contracts that limit innovation and flexibility. Many councils currently rely on costly legacy systems that are difficult to replace or integrate with modern tools.

GDS Local aims to give councils greater control over procurement decisions, enabling them to choose solutions that are competitively priced, adaptable and better suited to local needs.

Furthermore, the unit will support councils in adopting technology models that reduce duplication across the public sector. Shared solutions, open standards and collaborative frameworks are intended to reduce costs and allow councils to implement improvements more quickly. As a result, residents may see faster updates and more reliable online services over time.

Service Improvements Enabled Through GDS Local

Supporting Better Use of Data Across Councils

Data sharing is another major area of focus. Councils will be encouraged to share anonymised datasets through the new Government Digital and Data Hub, helping public sector organisations understand demand, identify trends and scale innovations more efficiently. This approach allows councils to learn from one another while maintaining robust privacy protections for residents.

The Data Hub also offers staff across government access to training, learning materials and career development resources. This helps build a stronger digital workforce capable of designing, maintaining and improving modern public services.

In addition, the platform creates opportunities for public sector professionals to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop shared solutions.

• Residents will gain easier access to both national and local services through a single account.
• Councils will have more flexibility to choose cost-effective digital tools.
• Data-sharing will support earlier intervention on issues such as homelessness and service demand.

Ministerial Comments

Minister for Digital Government, Ian Murray

“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 people’s lives. GDS Local will help end the postcode lottery for digital services across the country.”

He added that the initiative will give every community access to modern, joined-up and reliable online services, enabling government to work more seamlessly for residents wherever they live.

Collaboration with Early Partners and Innovators

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been working closely with GDS Local as an early partner. The region has already explored the use of responsible AI and community-led data initiatives aimed at improving public services. This includes a Community Charter on Data and AI that sets out how new technologies can be used responsibly for public benefit.

Additionally, the government will host a local government Innovation Hackathon in Birmingham. The event will bring together designers, developers and public sector teams to explore how technology can tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.

These collaborative efforts highlight the programme’s aim to bring innovation and social outcomes together in practical, locally driven ways.

Bottom Line

The launch of GDS Local marks an important moment in the UK’s wider effort to modernise public services, giving councils the support they need to offer faster, simpler and more reliable digital tools.

By unifying access through GOV.UK products, improving procurement systems and strengthening data collaboration, the programme aims to deliver a modern digital experience for residents wherever they live. Its emphasis on partnership, technology and local empowerment offers a clear pathway toward more accessible and efficient services across the country.

Sources: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Local Government Association; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.