Image: Emily Sullivan, MHCLG. Photo by Anastasia Jobson
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is looking at how it can support data standards that link information across a location between organisations, its head of product for Local Digital, Emily Sullivan, has said.
“I’m really interested in those data standards that connect information from different systems and services across a region,” said Sullivan. “Sharing data effectively and having this available to all those that need it helps local councils make better decisions and provide improved services to residents. While there are many benefits, we can still make the integration and accessibility of this information even better.”
The ministry is funding projects like Open Referral UK for community services data and SAVVI for risk factor data that can be used to identify vulnerable people and households. It is also looking into ways to support data transfers between systems, including from councils to central government, and creating a dashboard to track local government technology spending. Additionally, the ministry is considering ways to shape the local government software markets.
Sullivan added that the ministry is exploring how local authorities can use common Government Digital Service tools, like One Login.
Reflecting on the Local Digital Fund, which provided £19 million to 61 council-run projects from 2018 to 2024, Sullivan noted, “The Local Digital Fund was successful in sparking innovation. As we move forward, it is essential to provide robust support to local authorities for scaling these innovations, recognising that councils often require additional capacity to assist other organisations in adopting what they have developed.”
The ministry has successfully expanded other Local Digital initiatives, including the ongoing Cyber Assessment Framework.
Sullivan addressed Socitm’s President’s Conference in Birmingham on 10 June.