The LGA has reiterated its call for a Local Government Centre for Digital Technology, in response to announcements on digital services and artificial intelligence (AI).
In January, the Government published plans to overhaul digital services and target £45 billion in productivity savings every year.
Its ‘Blueprint for a modern digital government’ will look at how public sector organisations, including councils, can negotiate contracts together to save money, and open opportunities to drive economic growth and create jobs.
Separately, the Prime Minister has set out how AI can boost growth, increase living standards and drive change, including in planning and reducing administration in the private and public sectors.
The ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ will also see the introduction of dedicated AI growth zones to speed up planning permission for AI infrastructure.
Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “To truly unlock the potential of a digitally-enabled public sector, central government must… empower councils on their digital journey.
“By targeting investment through a local government context, the Local Government Centre for Digital Technology can support councils to meet local needs while contributing to national priorities, including the adoption of AI, bridging the digital divide, and developing new solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our communities.”