£1m fund available to give easier access to local government

A one million pound fund will be available this financial year to make it easier for people to access local government services online.

Aimed at helping local authorities to improve public services through digital technology, the Local Government Digital Transformation Fund was established in 2018 but has been repurposed during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure bids that respond to the current situation are given priority.

The fund provides grants to help local authorities collaborate to solve problems collectively, to support work that benefits all local authorities and to start developing common standards and services across Wales.

Announcing the fund was open to applications, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said: “Digital innovation isn’t new, it’s been happening for years in Wales but Coronavirus has meant that progress has sped up considerably over the last few months. We have all started doing a lot more online - from the weekly food shop to keeping in touch with friends and family.

“It has also changed the way people expect to interact with businesses and public services. It is therefore essential local government is able to respond to this demand and work together to ensure we provide the best possible service to the public.”