LGA launches Digital Pathfinders Programme

13 Aug 2021 12:11 PM

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched its Digital Pathfinders Programme to help councils innovate and pioneer projects to advance digital inclusion, digital connectivity, and cyber security.

Councils could be awarded up to £20,000 each to fund their proposal to meet one of the three challenge areas set by the programme: scalability, sustainability, and transferability. Each project will contribute to service transformation to meet the needs of local communities and establish the ways in which councils can innovate digitally to support their residents.

The deadline for submissions to the fund is Friday 10 September at noon and the LGA, which represents councils across England and Wales, will help councils to deliver their proposed initiative.

Details of the programme and how to apply can be found on the LGA website.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board said:

“We’re delighted to be providing this opportunity to help support councils deliver services to their residents in new and innovative ways.  As place shapers at the centre of their communities, councils have a fundamental role to play in helping enhance and improve the digital connectivity of their local areas.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of greater digital connectivity for businesses and communities across the country, with councils leading the way in transforming their services in response to this. We want this important programme to help efforts to improve digital connectivity, accelerate digital inclusion and keep services and residents safe from the threats surrounding cyber security.”