Transforming planning with PlanX and new funding to help local planning authorities reap the rewards

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Data, Digital Planning, Planning software
Mobile phone in a person's hand displaying the PlanX interface

Local planning authorities are modernising planning services using open data. New software like PlanX is improving the experience for applicants, while back-office improvements are speeding up processing. New funding will help more authorities adopt tools and make improvements, freeing up planning teams to focus on delivering the homes communities need.

Introducing Local AI

Posted by: , and , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Local AI
Introducing Local AI

Local AI is a new MHCLG team working with councils to support the responsible use of artificial intelligence across local government. We focus on the real pressures councils face, and work in partnership with the sector to tackle shared problems. Find out more about Local AI and how you can get involved.

New pilot to help councils identify and support residents at risk to vulnerability earlier

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Local Digital
A title card with the words: New pilot to help councils identify and support residents at risk to vulnerability earlier.

Local Digital is pleased to share an update on the Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability (SAVVI) and Open Referral UK (ORUK) data standards. New pilots with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will test the adoption of these data standards, and identify vulnerability earlier, more consistently and more effectively.

International Women’s Day: Giving, growing and leading in digital 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Careers, Women in tech
a collage showing the headshots of the 4 blog post contributors

This International Women's Day, 4 leaders share how generosity with time, resources and knowledge has helped them progress their careers and how their experiences equip them to contribute meaningfully to gender diversity and inclusion within their teams and beyond.

Shaping the future of open data with Open Data Communities

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Data
A screenshot of the homepage of the new Open Data Communities platform

Open Data Communities (ODC) is the platform for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to routinely release its data outputs in fully open, accessible and reusable forms. This blog post talks about how it’s evolving, why it’s changing and how you can help shape the next steps.

Deliver grant funding and Access grant funding: a digital service built to last 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Design, Funding Service
A title card with the words 'Deliver grant funding' and 'Access grant funding'

In this blog post, Kate Harries, head of user-centred design for the Funding Service, shares how the team have been creating a new sustainable digital service to provide a more user-centred and data rich experience for grant teams and grant recipients alike.

A new digital and cyber playbook to support local government during reorganisation

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Local Digital
A title card with the words 'Local Government Reorganisation Digital and Cyber Playbook'

Local Digital is pleased to share that the first release of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Digital and Cyber Playbook is now live. The Playbook is an evolving collection of guidance, council experiences, and templates to support councils navigating the digital, data, technology, and cyber aspects of local government reorganisation.

What user research taught us about designing useful digital planning case studies  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Design, Digital Planning, Ways of working
A person looking at a laptop screen that shows one of the case studies

What turns a case study into something people can use? Insights from local planning authorities shaped a user-centred approach to a series of digital planning case studies, helping them sit alongside plan-making guidance, support peer learning and build confidence in how planning teams use digital tools.

Stress-testing an AI tool to explore its potential for faster local plans and greater citizen engagement 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Planning, PropTech
A planning officer sitting at a desk with the PlanAI tool displayed on the computer screen in front of her.

We’re exploring if AI can help support faster local plan preparation. An AI tool developed by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning and the University of Liverpool is now being stress-tested by 5 local authorities, to see if the initial results – accurate consultation summaries produced in a fraction of the time - can be replicated elsewhere.

Progressing my senior developer career with an apprenticeship 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Apprenticeships, Careers
two colleagues working on code together

It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – a chance to showcase the value of apprenticeships for both individuals and organisations. Apprenticeships aren't only for beginners or career changers – within MHCLG, we also provide them as an effective way for experienced specialists at all levels to grow professionally.