Launch of the Local Digital C-19 Challenge

21 Jun 2020 08:01 PM

MHCLG’s Local Digital Collaboration Unit is making funding available for data and digital projects to help local authorities in England with their COVID-19 recovery...

The Ministry for Housing and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Local Digital Collaboration Unit recently (18 June 2020) made funding of up to £800,000 available for data and digital projects to help local authorities in England to combat the challenges as a direct result of COVID-19. Applications open on 01 July 2020.

MHCLG is inviting applications in three thematic areas:

• Data and reporting
• Community engagement
• Developing new working practices

Who can apply?

This challenge is open to local authorities in England only. Lead applicants and partner organisations must be Local Digital Declaration signatories.

Projects are expected to deliver a product or outcome directly related to a COVID-19 challenge within 2 months. Project outputs must be relevant to, and reusable by, other councils.

Project applications must be submitted by a council or a group of councils.

The successful project teams will be expected to work closely with MHCLG staff, as well as digital and data professionals from the private sector, throughout the duration of the project. The procurement of services will take place once the successful projects have been chosen.

How to apply

From 01 July an application form will be available to download from this website. The application process will have two stages:

• Complete the application form and submit an ‘elevator pitch’ video
• A panel interview by video call

Applications close on 15 July. You can view key dates here.

Supplier information

The challenge fund website states organising a supplier engagement event once shortlisting has begun.

techUK’s Head of Local Public Services, Georgina Maratheftis recently commented:

“The launch of Local Digital C-19 Challenge is excellent news. During the pandemic we have seen place base working become the norm and this challenge fund will go further in strengthening collaboration and innovation across councils in England as they plan for renewal and recovery. As co-publisher of the Local Digital Declaration, techUK looks forward to working with the Local Digital Collaboration Unit as they engage with the supplier community.”