Florence Bastos, Public Finance Technical Advisor
The latest budget acknowledges the UK’s lag in technology adoption despite its exceptional strengths in science and innovation. To bridge this gap, several initiatives have been introduced:
- £40 million over 5 years to support the commercialization of innovations from research institutions.
- Over £500 million to expand digital infrastructure in underserved areas of the UK.
- An Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Action Plan to leverage AI for growth, productivity, and improved public services.
- A National Data Library to unlock the full potential of public data assets.
The continued rollout of digital infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas will significantly enhance technology-enabled government services, reducing the risk of isolating parts of the public as more services go digital.
A well-implemented National Data Library can transform public services by ensuring high-quality data and standardised contributions. The accessibility of these datasets could also enable non-public actors to create new value.
Looking ahead to phase 2 of the spending review, CIPFA anticipates:
- A centralised and coherent approach to digital investment aimed at reforming public services and boosting productivity.
- Detailed 10-year R&D budgets to support long-term government-industry partnerships.
While specific measures for local government technology adoption are not outlined, the prospect of multiyear funding should empower local authorities to invest where it’s most needed. Some may prioritise technology investments, while others will appreciate the flexibility to address local priorities rather than being bound to centrally determined digital outcomes.