Digital
Local authorities can pave the way for digital inclusion
As a society, we need to equip the whole population with the skills, motivation, and trust to go online and be digitally capable, and much of the time this begins at the local authority level, says Graham Cutting.
Local government accounts for one in 10 data breaches
The local government sector accounts for one in 10 rule breaches reported to the UK’s data protection watchdog, according to the latest figures.
County fends off £500k cyber fraud attempts
Nottinghamshire CC has thwarted two attempts to defraud the council totalling more than £500,000.
Repairing social housing’s disrepair
The Internet of Things (IoT) may well be integral to digital transformation in social housing, but the benefits it delivers cannot be fully realised unless social landlords assure seamless mobile connectivity, says Colin Abrey.
Smart sharing
The pandemic has hastened a trend towards tech-assisted cross-organisation sharing of workspaces, and the commercial world should take heed of what is happening in the public sector, says Kieron Murphy.
Unleash wave of mayoral devo, says Onward
A report from the centre-right Onward think-tank has urged the Government to step back from ‘micromanaging’ England’s cities and counties, and unleash a wave of mayoral devolution.
Fears over Procurement Bill red tape
The Government has rejected concerns that new procurement rules will create more red tape for local authorities.
‘Significant weaknesses’ found by Birmingham audit
A report has revealed ‘significant weaknesses’ in services and a ‘lack of stable leadership’ at Birmingham City Council.
Get ready for Teddy
Diary loves to hear about council social media stories going viral.
Calculating the cost of care
Local and central government must prepare for the significant workforce challenges that will be presented by adult social care charging reforms. Daniel Sperrin and James Maker explain.
Post-pandemic planning for the core cities
Chief executives and directors from the UK’s biggest cities debated their challenges and opportunities in a round table discussion organised by Core Cities UK and The MJ, supported by BT. Paul Marinko reports.
The Government must go all-in on digital democracy
Piers Mulroney says the Government must heed the warning of the local elections and commit to increasing trust and transparency, connecting with voters again through digital democracy.
Councils apologise for rebate errors
Swale BC has apologised for taking money out of the accounts of direct debit holders while Leeds City Council mistakenly sent out two payments to thousands of households.
Closing the digital skills gap
Simon Collinson looks at how to widen the talent pool and bridge the digital skills gap in the UK public sector.
Providing the wealth for renewal
The Government will be considering Community Wealth Funds in its consultation on the future beneficiaries of dormant assets funding. Rayhan Haque explains why such a fund is part of the ‘secret sauce’ to make levelling up a success.
Firm exits council talks at 11th hour
Talks over a new IT contract to replace current arrangements between Gloucester City Council and Civica were at an ‘advanced’ stage, with details agreed in principle until the firm abruptly pulled out.
I am confident our teams in Cornwall will ride the storm
It feels like Cornwall Council is more positive about its transformed future, despite having to achieve a budget reduction of £60m for 2022-23, says Tracie Langley.
Councils urged to reconsider Russian risks
Councils have been encouraged to reconsider the risks of using Russian technology and software following the invasion of Ukraine.
How Southwark LBC transformed and automated its exchequer services
Laurence Fleming and Grace Warr explain why Southwark LBC chose to work with a partner to deliver more efficient and cost-effective seamless online exchequer services.
Levelling up: the digital challenge
The MJ and BT recently held a round table debate with nine leading council chief executives from the Midlands and the North to debate the challenges and opportunities from the digital revolution. Michael Burton reports.