GDS Local launched to boost digital capability across councils

A new government unit, GDS Local, has been launched to accelerate digital transformation across UK councils and improve how residents access everyday local services. Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the initiative aims to close longstanding gaps between central and local government digitalisation and strengthen the capability of local authorities to modernise services at pace.

GDS Local will work with councils to enable residents to use GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK app for both national and local services through one account. If delivered at scale, this would represent the most significant shift in local government digital access in a decade, reducing duplication and creating a more consistent user experience across thousands of services from council tax management to school admissions.

Minister for Digital Government Ian Murray described the launch as an end to the postcode lottery of digital maturity across councils, promising a more modern and reliable digital experience for residents regardless of location. “This is about making government work seamlessly for people wherever they live and delivering the world-class local digital experience they rightly expect,” he said.

A core priority for the new unit is reforming local government technology procurement. GDS Local will help councils move away from restrictive long-term contracts that currently dominate the market and limit councils’ flexibility to adopt modern tools. These legacy contracts have been criticised by local digital leaders for locking in outdated systems and consuming disproportionate budget.

The announcement also highlights a renewed push toward secure, anonymised data sharing through the new Government Digital and Data Hub. Councils will be supported to use shared data to identify trends in demand, benchmark performance and scale successful innovations. DSIT stresses that strict privacy protections will remain in place.

The Hub itself opens simultaneously with GDS Local, providing a shared online space for digital and data professionals across central government, councils, the NHS and other public bodies. With training resources, career guidance and professional networks, it aims to grow the public sector’s digital workforce and reduce the capability gap that often holds back transformation.

Liverpool City Region has served as an early partner, demonstrating how central local collaboration could accelerate transformation. Councillor Liam Robinson pointed to the region’s work on responsible data and AI use and its Civic Data Cooperative as examples of how GDS Local could help scale innovation: “Our first-of-its-kind Community Charter on Data and AI, developed by residents, sets out how technology can be used responsibly to improve lives. Through the AI for Good initiative and Civic Data Cooperative, we’re harnessing data and AI to tackle real-world challenges - from improving healthcare to tackling misinformation.”