Title

WHITEHALL

Digital standards drive launched

New standards designed to improve the quality of council services delivered digitally will be launched at the end of this month.

New standards designed to improve the quality of council services delivered digitally will be launched at the end of this month.

They have been modelled on the Government's 18-point Digital Service Standard and a draft is currently out to consultation.

It is hoped that all local authorities will sign up to the standards, which will cover the increasing number of digital services they now deliver, such as paying council tax bills online.

Speaking yesterday, Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock said: ‘Digital services are transforming the way we deliver services and interact with citizens.

‘Local government is often at the forefront of these interactions so it is important the councils continue to embrace digital.

‘The Government Digital Service will continue to work together with councils to create better local services for people across the UK.'

Comments on the draft standard can be made via this link.

WHITEHALL

One in 10 planning posts vacant, Unison finds

By William Eichler | 16 June 2026

One in 10 council planning posts in England are vacant, according to research by trade union Unison.

WHITEHALL

Government 'stands ready' to rein in private providers' profits

By Ann McGauran | 16 June 2026

The Government is prepared to bring in local profit caps to rein back private providers of children’s placements and temporary housing, communities secretary...

WHITEHALL

The funding faultlines that could divide streets

By Gabriel Stewart | 16 June 2026

Analysis reveals stark funding disparities between neighbouring councils under the Government’s fair funding reforms, highlighting challenges for service del...

WHITEHALL

Former councillor rages at lack of accountability for Brum failures

By Joe Lepper | 15 June 2026

Senior officers and commissioners at Birmingham City Council should be held to account for their ‘failures’ at the under-intervention local authority, accord...

Popular articles by MJ reporter