The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is working with England's Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) to help ensure data drives effective devolution. We are bringing together local data leaders through the newly formed Mayoral Data Council (MDC) to influence national thinking and turn insight into impact for communities across England.
Establishing the MDC
The MDC met for the first time earlier this year. It was created following the English Devolution White Paper, recognising that data must be front and centre as powers shift from Whitehall to local communities.
MSAs are uniquely placed to deliver locally tailored solutions, but to do so effectively, they need robust data, shared expertise and a strong collective voice.
This is where the MDC comes in and makes a difference. As a council of senior data leaders from all mayoral areas, it can champion better data, improve data sharing and build capability across government layers.
The MDC in action
The MDC’s work falls into 3 areas:
- Helping build skills in local government, share resources and learn from each other’s experiences. This includes exploring data and artificial intelligence (AI) maturity across local government, and creating stronger ties between different levels of government.
- Representing local views in central decision-making as equal partners, while putting data front and centre in conversations about devolution.
- Improving data sharing across central and local government – making sure MSAs have access to the data they need while protecting citizens' data and increasing collaboration with other government departments.
The MDC regularly feeds the expert data view into senior forums like the Mayoral Council and Council of Nations and Regions, ensuring that data remains at the heart of devolution.
With a 12-month plan and ways of working now established, the MDC is keen to start making a difference.
The 12-month plan: ambition, collaboration and impact
For its foundational year, the MDC is focused on high-value, high-impact priorities. By the end of 2026, the MDC aims to:
- enable better use of data in MSAs through increased access to resources and shared learning
- establish typologies and case studies to benchmark digital transformation and AI readiness
- position local government as co-designers of cross-government solutions
- improve data sharing at all levels of government
And it’s not just about the data – it’s about people. The MDC wants senior leaders to become data champions, fostering a culture where evidence drives action.
Why it's a game-changer for local government
In an era where data drives everything from bin collections to economic development strategies, the MDC represents something genuinely innovative – a forum where local expertise informs national policy, and where the people delivering services have a voice in shaping the tools they need to succeed.
For data professionals and local government workers, the MDC offers a glimpse of what collaborative government looks like when it's working at its best – ensuring devolution delivers real benefits for communities across England.
Get involved and find out more about the MDC
The MDC wants to hear from data professionals, local government workers and anyone curious about how AI and data can transform public services. Contact us at AIforLG@communities.gov.uk.
Look out for future updates about the work of the MDC on the MHCLG Digital blog.
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