Barnsley has been revealed as the UK’s first government-backed “Tech Town”, with digital services and artificial intelligence set to sit at the heart of a major transformation of public services, education and local business.
The Yorkshire town will receive bespoke government support over the next 18 months to embed digital tools across schools, colleges, healthcare, council services and local businesses. The aim is to create a connected, tech-enabled community where residents can access faster services, better training and new job opportunities.
The announcement was made by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who said the town would become a national blueprint for how technology can improve everyday life.
“I am delighted to have been invited by Barnsley, to work with them to achieve their ambition to become the UK’s leading tech town,” she said. “If we are going to get AI to work for Britain, we need Britons and British public services that can work with AI.”
At the centre of the Tech Town programme is the expansion of digital skills. Working with Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, residents will be offered free AI and digital training, helping people retrain, upskill or prepare for future careers in technology.
Businesses will also be supported through the expansion of the Seam Digital Campus, which is set to develop into a dedicated AI hub. Small and growing firms will receive hands-on help to adopt new technology, improve productivity and create skilled local jobs.
Technology companies including Microsoft, Cisco, Google and Adobe have pledged to support the initiative through training programmes and access to industry expertise.
Healthcare is another major focus. In partnership with Barnsley Hospital, new digital systems will be tested to improve check-ins, speed up patient triage and streamline outpatient care, aiming to reduce waiting times and ease pressure on NHS staff.
Schools and colleges will trial AI-powered learning tools designed to improve pupil outcomes, support inclusion and reduce teacher workload. Some Barnsley schools are expected to take part in national trials of AI tutoring later this year.
Residents will also be invited to take part in “Tech Town Halls”, giving them a say in how digital services are designed and used.
Infrastructure upgrades will include improved public Wi-Fi, stronger cybersecurity and enhanced digital systems in public buildings, allowing residents to use online services safely and confidently.
Barnsley Council leader Stephen Houghton said: “This is one of the most important investments in Barnsley in our history and will help secure our long-term economic future.”
He added: “The Tech Town programme is where cutting-edge technology meets everyday usefulness. It will complement our existing plans… to create safer, smarter public services and new opportunities for everyone.”