UK Residents to Benefit from Improved Access to Local Services through Digital Initiative
A new government unit, GDS Local, has been launched to assist councils across the UK in making everyday services, including council tax management and access to local support, more efficient and accessible for residents.
The unit will work with local councils to enable residents to use services through GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK App, providing a unified account for both national and local services. The launch coincides with the rollout of the Government Digital and Data Hub and the upcoming Innovation Hackathon.
The dedicated team aims to simplify local services for residents, whether applying for a driving licence, securing a school place, reporting a pothole, or managing council tax.
Objectives of GDS Local
Launching on 22 November 2025 within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), GDS Local will focus on three core areas:
- Enabling councils to allow residents to access national and local services through a single account using GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK App.
- Reforming council technology procurement to avoid long-term restrictive contracts, providing greater choice and control over technology decisions and budgets.
- Supporting councils in sharing anonymised data on topics such as homelessness and service demand through the Government Digital and Data Hub, allowing sector-wide learning and the scaling of effective innovations while maintaining strict privacy standards.
This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to modernize public services by transforming how residents interact with the state.
Statements from Officials
Minister for Digital Government, Ian Murray, stated that local councils have previously been excluded from digital transformation initiatives in central government, despite providing essential services. He added that GDS Local will standardize digital services across communities, ensuring access to reliable online services nationwide.
The initiative also aligns with the state of digital government review, which aims to unlock £45 billion in annual productivity benefits across the public sector.
The Liverpool City Council Region Combined Authority has collaborated with GDS as an early partner, demonstrating the potential for improved services through central-local cooperation.
Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Innovation, Cllr Liam Robinson, said that GDS Local represents progress in transforming public services through collaboration and innovation. He highlighted local initiatives, including the Community Charter on Data and AI, the AI for Good initiative, and the Civic Data Cooperative, which leverage data and technology to address challenges in healthcare, misinformation, and other areas. He also noted the role of the Office for Public Service Innovation in using data and technology to support communities.
Cllr Dan Swords, Chair of the LGA’s Public Service Reform and Innovation Committee, stated that GDS Local addresses the digital challenges faced by local government, offering councils opportunities to use technology and data to provide more accessible and efficient services tailored to local needs.
Government Digital and Data Hub
The UK government is also introducing the Government Digital and Data Hub, an online platform for public sector digital and data professionals. The Hub brings together staff from central government, local councils, the NHS, and other public bodies, providing access to training, career guidance, networking, and practical resources. The platform aims to enhance the public sector digital workforce, ensuring staff can deliver faster, simpler, and more secure services.
Innovation Hackathon
GDS Local will host the local government Innovation Hackathon in Birmingham on 26–27 November. The event will bring together innovators from various sectors to explore technology solutions for issues such as homelessness and rough sleeping.