DIGITAL

Welsh Government announces £500,000 a year for digital officer

Local authority leaders in Wales have welcomed an announcement that the Welsh Government will pay £500,000 per year towards the cost of a local government digital officer.

Local authority leaders in Wales have welcomed an announcement that the Welsh Government will pay £500,000 per year towards the cost of a local government digital officer.

The chief digital officer for local government will identify, share, promote and champion a joined up approach to digital initiatives and their delivery across the sector.

Local government minister Julie James said: ‘The chief digital officer will provide leadership for digital transformation in local government, build and grow on the good work that's already underway, and support local government to build capacity and capability to take forward innovative technology and data-led approaches to service delivery and public engagement.

‘I see this firmly as a sector-led, and owned, approach, which the Welsh Government is happy to be able to provide funding in support of.'

Welsh Local Government Association spokesman for digital and innovation, Cllr Peter Fox, said the cash would help efforts to use digital technology to transform services.

He continued: ‘Local authorities have taken big steps in recent years in the development and deployment of digital solutions within their services, including several collaborative projects involving chatbots, webcasting, remote working, apps and virtual reality.

‘However, there is still more to do to ensure greater consistency and coordination of digital technology to ensure public services continue to transform and meet the expectations and needs of citizens now and into the future.

‘I look forward to seeing how this investment, along with a commitment from all councils, will help deliver a more ambitious and consistent approach to digital transformation and to promote better engagement with residents.'

DIGITAL

Proud to serve the sector

By Louise Gittins | 03 July 2025

Writing in LGA Conference week, newly re-elected chair Cllr Louise Gittins reflects on the Government’s key announcements and says council leaders must have ...

DIGITAL

Common sense Reform

By Paul Marinko | 03 July 2025

Reform UK is taking a measured approach to implementing change as the party takes charge of Durham Council, the authority’s new leader tells Paul Marinko.

DIGITAL

Central and local government will transform the country for the better

By Georgia Gould | 03 July 2025

Writing in the week of the LGA Conference, Jim McMahon and Georgia Gould say this government was elected to deliver a decade of national renewal, and this si...

DIGITAL

Could they be a contender?

By Jack Shaw | 03 July 2025

If Reform-controlled authorities prove dysfunctional or obstructive will that erode trust in both devolution and local government? Can their administrations ...

Popular articles by William Eichler