DLUHC partners with Cognizant in £19m deal to boost spatial data capabilities

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has engaged Cognizant Worldwide Limited to enhance its Spatial Data Unit's capabilities.

This four-year contract, initiated in December 2024 and valued at up to £19 million, was established through the Crown Commercial Service’s Digital Specialists and Programmes framework.

Cognizant is tasked with executing critical data projects to aid ministers and policy teams in making informed decisions. This includes swiftly providing technical expertise to develop and refine data services and tools in response to ministerial directives.

Additionally, the partnership aims to build a foundational data infrastructure as outlined in DLUHC's data strategy, ensuring sustained support for existing tools and services.

The Spatial Data Unit, established in 2022, plays a pivotal role in integrating geographic data into policy formulation and implementation.

Notable initiatives include mapping the spatial distribution of local expenditures and analysing micro-level data - such as business activities, foot traffic, and mobile phone usage - to bolster nighttime economies in regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

This collaboration underscores DLUHC's commitment to leveraging data-driven insights for effective policy development and service delivery.