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Archive360’s Unified Data Governance platform is helping a UK Justice Agency save £107 Million+ by retiring 12 legacy applications.
Download the case study and see how we can help your organisation reduce costs, enable modernisation and make your data ready for AI.
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Government announces plans to boost tech across public services
The government has announced plans to leverage technology and AI tools to streamline public services, improve data sharing and reduce costs.
A new package of AI tools – known as Humphrey – will be made available to civil servants in an attempt to modernise tech and deliver better public services.
The plans come following the publication of a review that shows that the country relies on a poor system, with outdated methods of communication. For example, HMRC takes 100,000 calls a day and DVLA processes 45,000 letters.
The technology secretary has launched his department as the digital centre of government to overhaul digital services and target £45 billion in productivity savings every year.
The new plans include scrapping the need for people to register a death in person and removing the need to post an advert in the local paper before getting a license to drive a lorry.
There will also be changes to data sharing, which could help central government departments, like HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade, share data with each other and local councils more seamlessly to crack down on fraud...
Digital Inclusion Action Plan to get the public online
A new Digital Inclusion Action Plan, published on 26th February by technology secretary Peter Kyle, aims to address the problem of digital exclusion by funding local initiatives targeted towards the most digitally-excluded groups. 1.6 million people across the UK are currently living offline, and around a quarter of the population have challenges using online services.
This follows research that shows that people who are digitally excluded can pay up to 25 per cent more for things like home insurance, train travel and food, compared to those who shop online. In line with more and more public services becoming digitalised, the government is committed to improving the nation’s digital skills and access to technology to ensure more people can reap the benefits of the online world.
The Digital Inclusion Action Plan will focus on groups such as the elderly and low-income households which are known to be more digitally excluded, and will partner with the Digital Poverty Alliance to provide laptops.
Charities and local and combined authorities will be able to access funds for digital inclusion programmes, which will empower Mayors and local leaders to develop local solutions for the most digitally excluded groups...
AI to receive huge government backing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to be rolled out across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal, as part of a new government plan.
In a stark difference from the previous government’s approach to AI, the Prime Minister has agreed to progress with all 50 recommendations set out by Matt Clifford, CEO of entrepreneur first, in his AI Opportunities Action Plan.
AI is already being used across the UK, especially in hospitals: from diagnosing breast cancer quicker to spotting pain levels of people who cannot speak.
The Prime Minister’s decision to back AI has the opportunity to transform the lives of working people and get more money in their pockets. It has the potential to help accelerate planning consultations, drive down admin for teachers, and spot potholes to help improve roads. IT is estimated that, should AI be fully deployed nationwide, it can boost productivity by as much as 1.5 per cent per year, with gains worth up to £47 billion per year over a decade.
Today’s plan aims to revolutionise British public services using AI, as well as introducing measures that will create dedicated AI Growth Zones that will speed up planning permission and give them the energy connections needed to power up AI.
The Prime Minister said: “Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their recordkeeping to speed up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people...
Digital driving licence to launch later this year DIGITAL
The government has announced a GOV.UK wallet, which will make government-issued documents available on your phone.
The scheme will begin with a Veteran Card and an early version of digital driver’s licence later this year.
People will be able to prove their age, online and in person, when buying age-restricted items and prove their right to drive.
The GOV.UK Wallet will enable users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed.
The app will make use of the same security features that are already built in to smart phones, such as facial recognition, meaning the documents will be secure even if the phone is lost.
By the end of 2027, it is expected that the wallet will include documents like Veteran Cards, DBS checks and every other credential issued by the government. Physical documents will still be available for those who want them.
A GOV.UK App is planned for launch in summer 2025, which is designed to make it easier for people to navigate the GOV.UK website, access government information and complete essential tasks from their phone.
Science secretary Peter Kyle said: “Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned...
Councils using AI to help the vulnerable
Local councils are harnessing the power of AI by helping people in their homes, such as identifying when pensioners have a fall, stop people falling into rent arrays, to give people bigger bins, and to help them find jobs in social care, according to new data published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The new data follows the technology secretary setting out a roadmap for the future of AI for public sector services, helping to save £45 billion. The plan will see a new team, based in the DSIT, join up public services so the public don’t have to tell dozens of organisations the same thing. The team will start with looking at services used by those with long-term health conditions, such as the NHS, Department for Work and Pensions, and local councils.
Following a trip to see the Tech Enabled Care solution in Sutton, AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said: “AI has immense potential to make our lives easier and improve public service. The technology we are together sharing with the public today includes shining examples of innovation that does everything from speeding up crucial applications for bigger bins, to helping people live independently.
“Being transparent with the detail of how we are putting AI to work in public services is crucial to our plans to use technology to improve public services, which is a key part of our Plan for Change.”...
Smart data scheme to help with energy bills
A new scheme to harness smart data for energy could help the British public lower their energy bills as well as gain greater control over their energy consumption.
Smart data allows customers to access their energy consumption data through authorised third parties (ATPs), which then use the data, at the customer’s request, to provide customers with tailored product and service recommendations.
Thus, smart data has the capability to offer customers more control over their own data, helping them better understand their energy use to make more informed choices and save money. For example, new services could help customers compare prices, change suppliers, and switch to low-carbon tariffs.
Smart data has already revolutionised Open Banking by giving customers 24/7 access to their own data, alongside new products and services.
The government’s decision to roll out an energy smart data scheme aligns with their Plan for Change, through working towards making Britain a clean energy superpower. The scheme would deliver growth to businesses, and allow consumers to make more informed choices about their energy use.
Consequently, Britain’s pioneering data economy, which drives investments worth up to 6.7 per cent of UK economic activity...
Scottish government funding for AI projects
Up to £9 million from the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme has been awarded to 14 companies developing AI products to tackle challenges faced by public sector organisations and charities.
A software to help identify toxic contaminants to address the risk of cancer for firefighters and an AI system which can help teachers with administrative tasks are among the products to receive funding. There are also projects focussed on using drones and an automated mapping system to monitor puffin populations in a less invasive way and an AI support system to enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
Previous rounds of CivTech have invested £20 million into 90 companies and entrepreneurs since 2016. CivTech 10 is the first round of the programme to focus on AI.
Business minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is well-placed to harness the advantages of artificial intelligence with its rich history of innovation and high concentration of world-leading universities and colleges.
“The rapidly growing AI sector offers opportunities for Scotland, from helping to detect health issues such as lung cancer earlier, to enabling businesses to work more efficiently.
“Through CivTech, we are revolutionising how public sector organisations work by collaborating with businesses to develop products which improve lives.”..
£82.6 million flexible funding for healthcare
AI: READ MORE
AI Growth Zone bidding opens: READ MORE
New members appointed to the Council for Science and Technology: READ MORE
AI trial launched to fight breast cancer: READ MORE
Guidance for government departments evaluating AI tools: READ MORE
Technology boost for NHS in Scotland: READ MORE
Government using AI to enhance public services
New records have revealed that the government is utilising AI and technology to enhance public services.
AI and satellite images are being used to predict how natural habitats are changing across the country, so more current data can be used to accelerate planning proposals.
Satellite images and machine learning are being used by Natural England to build a detailed map of “Living England”, which shows the current extent of habitats across the country. Changes to habitats will now be tracked more efficiently compared to the manual surveys of the past. It is hoped this will speed up decisions around planning and land use, while at the same time, better protect nature.
Details of this project and 13 others have been released to show how AI and algorithmic tools are used to speed up decision making and improve public services. Other examples include how AI is being used to better predict the weather and keep standards high at MOT testing centres.
Natural England’s chief scientist, Professor Sallie Bailey said: “Nature restoration, development and economic growth are not opposing forces – they can and must work together to create a sustainable future for both people and wildlife...
Modernising justice through data governance
Graham Ashworth, VP International at Archive360, and Peter Hanney, CEO at Through Technology, discuss how they’ve helped a UK justice agency save £107 million by retiring 12 legacy applications
Can you describe the agency and its challenges?
Peter Hanney: We partnered with a justice agency operating across 600 locations and handling four million court cases annually. They struggled with outdated systems, some from the 90s, leading to fragmented data, accessibility issues, security risks, and compliance gaps.
Graham Ashworth: These systems also escalated costs, as running legacy and replacement systems simultaneously was unsustainable. Addressing security vulnerabilities and regulatory gaps was critical.
How did the pandemic affect their priorities?
PH: The pandemic exacerbated court backlogs—62,000 cases in criminal courts alone—prompting a 2022 strategy to modernise IT systems and treat data as a strategic asset.
GA: They aimed to enhance efficiency and accessibility while balancing open justice, privacy, and transparency.
What was your approach?
PH: We began with a legacy technology assessment, using the “five Rs” framework— retain, retire, replace, rehost, or re-platform—to guide decisions.
GA: Strategic archiving via Archive360’s platform centralised data, eliminated legacy dependencies, and enabled cost-effective management of historical records.
What solutions were implemented?
PH: Twelve legacy systems, including a 600-terabyte digital audio platform, were prioritised for retirement. Archive360 was
key in archiving data without relying on old infrastructure.
GA: Our platform classified and processed data based on long-term needs, ensuring governance of all data types. It provided advanced search, secure access, and retention compliance.
What were the results?
PH: Retiring the systems avoided costly contract extensions, projected to save over £107 million over the next decade, excluding further maintenance savings.
GA: The agency now archives 700 terabytes securely while meeting data sovereignty requirements. Unified governance has turned data into a strategic resource, enabling AI and analytics to enhance decision-making.
Are there any lessons for other organisations?
GA: Legacy systems, with the right strategy, can become opportunities for innovation. Unified data governance is essential for turning liabilities into assets while aligning with security and compliance goals.
What’s next?
PH: The agency continues to modernise legacy systems and refine governance practices, demonstrating the impact of strategic data management on public service delivery. M
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How the regional digital divide is hindering the UK’s growth
The UK’s digital economy is a modern success story, but regional disparities in infrastructure, investment, and skills are hindering its full potential. techUK’s latest Local Digital Index highlights the urgent need for targeted action to bridge the digital divide and drive economic growth across the entire country
Since the start of 2025, there have been a number of announcements from the Government: the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Prime Minister affirming his desire to ‘ cut the weeds of regulation’ to boost growth, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, has proclaimed she wants to go ‘ further and faster to kickstart economic growth ’.
And this can’t come soon enough. Growth in the UK in November 2024 was, regrettably, 0 per cent. Economic forecasts have been downgraded following a sluggish end to 2024 and start to 2025 with the Bank of England cutting interest rates in February 2025 but also
cutting the 2025 growth forecasts to 0.75 per cent in the year ahead. Some forecasters are saying there’s opportunity to rebound in 2025 but with a big asterisk of ‘subject to geopolitical events’. Following the events of recent years such as Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, AI breakthroughs and the most recent US election, who can blame economic analysts from adding that caveat?
The UK isn’t immune from world events but in a global economic race where in terms of GDP if you’re not growing and going forward then you’re going backwards, 0.1 per cent growth in UK GDP in Q4 2024 is not motivating companies, investors and the market. E
F Insights from the Local Digital Index
In December 2024, techUK published the fourth iteration of our Local Digital Index, kindly sponsored by BT Group and Moore Kingston Smith, and in partnership with The Data City.
The Index is a measure of the strength of the digital economy across the UK in different components such as digital infrastructure, skills, finance and investment and R&D, and digital skills. It’s designed to aid elected officials, policy makers, companies and other stakeholders about the UK digital economy landscape, and to offer some suggestions on how it can be improved in the future.
It’s fair to say that the growth of the tech sector in the UK is a modern economic success story: a sector GVA of £99 billion, circa 1.7 million employees and a growth rate of 9.3 per cent show just how important that tech sector is to the UK economy, not to mention to our public services, businesses, processes and way of life. There will be very few people in the UK who wake up in a morning and find that as they go through their day they aren’t interacting with technology.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges, including some unforeseen ones, and that we shouldn’t be alive and alert to how we can address them if we want to be at the cutting edge of growth, innovation, and better services.
Infrastructure gaps
Let’s take a look at digital infrastructure. The Index has shown, and previous iterations of the Index data prove, that great strides have been made in the roll out of superfast broadband,
57 per cent of properties in the City of London have access to gigabit broadband, compared to 65 per cent in the Forest of Dean
gigabit broadband and 5G across the UK. Some of the black spots in 2025 won’t surprise anyone – Shetland Islands, Isle of Scilly, High Peak, North Norfolk – but there is also the City of London. Interestingly, 57 per cent of properties in the City of London have access to gigabit broadband, compared to 65 per cent in the Forest of Dean.
Data centres have also become the hot topic of discussion, partly driven by the growth of AI and need for data centre capacity and energy requirements. techUK’s Index also maps the data centres across the UK and the high voltage power routes coming into the UK. This shows significant data centre presence in London and Manchester but also opportunities for other areas such as Scotland, Wales and North East. And if you want to know more, then this report on ‘ how data centres can supercharge the UK economy ’ is a good start.
AI zones & investment
The Government’s AI Growth Zones announcement and call for expressions of interest is a positive move (see more here ) but details are still TBC on funding, the number of zones and regulations around these zones. Data centres and AI Growth Zones can’t be in every community nor should they be, so these details need clarifying sooner than later to ensure the UK makes 2025 a year of growth.
Innovation beyond the south
Growing tech firms, especially scaling firms with high growth potential, need regulations and legislation to allow them to innovate and thrive. But they also require the local conditions and funding to grow. Unsurprisingly, techUK’s Local Digital Index shows that firms in London, Oxford and Cambridge score well in terms of access to private investment.
In terms of R&D investment in England, London, the South East and the East of England receive 64 per cent of the funding. There’s an argument to say that makes sense given the location of the institutions and population figures. However, this means that spin out firms
and growth opportunities from these locations need to be even greater to drive economic growth in the UK.
It’s not all doom and gloom for areas outside the South of England. When we map ‘innovative companies’ across the UK, we can see that our big cities – Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast – have a high propensity of ‘innovative companies’. There’s a strong argument for building up these economic centres, giving greater access to finance including InnovateUK funding, and using the Local Growth Plans to support sectors ripe for growth. This would help rebalance the UK economy and reduce some of the pressure of growing the economy on London and the South East.
The skills shortage
Finally on skills. Put simply, the data available needs to be better and from what we do know there aren’t enough skilled professionals that the tech sector needs to grow. Take Greater Manchester, in 2024 there were 39,373 STEM job roles advertised. That was more than any other city region in the UK. West Yorkshire, West Midlands and West of England were next, London and Cambridge were about 15-20,000 roles behind Greater Manchester. Skilled people will help drive growth, and this shows that roles in the sector aren’t confined to the South of England… however, that is where a lot of the funding is!
Last December, techUK was pleased to have the Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, launch the Index. He spoke about his commitment on skills through
“At this moment in time, the kids can see the skyscrapers from their bedroom windows, but they can’t see the path to them”
the Manchester Baccalaureate, and he felt addressing this would be the single biggest factor in determining the success of the Greater Manchester digital economy. “At this moment in time, the kids can see the skyscrapers from their bedroom windows, but they can’t see the path to them” said the Mayor, highlighting the need for the public, private and third sector across the UK to collaborate to meet the challenge. techUK has put forward a number of recommendations that we believe will support and grow the tech sector, grow the economy and support everyone to be included in the digital economy. Support for scale ups, targeted efforts toward rural and coastal communities, devolving digital inclusion efforts, supporting more public sector innovation collaboration, and more testbeds and trials across the UK. Achieving the economic growth we want and need doesn’t have a silver bullet. It’s going to take effort, collaboration and a commitment to delivery across the entire UK. Right now we need to be setting the conditions and building the market for UK tech companies to grow further and faster.
techUK’s Central Government Council – the voice of industry to public sector
Heather Cover-Kus, head of central government at techUK, introduces the Central Government Council (CGC) – the voice of the tech industry to government. As 2025 kicks off with major public sector digital strategies, the CGC is set to drive collaboration, advocate for SMEs, and shape the future of government technology
2025 has started with a bang for public sector technology. There have been a vast number of plans, strategies and reports coming out of government about public sector technology. Since January we have seen the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the State of Digital Government Review and Blueprint for Modern Digital Government as well as the launch of the Centre for Digital Government. These developments all seem to signal a recognition of the critical importance of technology in delivering high quality public services. Furthermore, these documents all recognise the significant role of the tech supplier community in making these plans a reality.
Introducing the Central Government Council
As the premier technology trade association in the country, techUK brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. We create a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy and the planet. Vital to this collaboration with government and public sector stakeholders is our Central Government Council (CGC) – a group of techUK members elected by the wider membership to represent the technology supplier community
to government. This diverse group reflects different types of tech companies, working in different parts of public sector across the country.
The Council aims to lead the debate on new technologies, optimise the use of existing capabilities and engage with departments and the centre. It also works to set the strategic direction of techUK’s Central Government Programme, reflecting techUK member priorities and providing a means for the public sector to engage with industry.
Henry Rex, CGC vice-chair, Opencast said: “I’m so excited by the potential of the Council to work across Government to meet the ambitions set out in the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government. Given the pace of technological change, it’s so important the industry works with Government to drive the adoption of cutting edge tech and improve Government’s access to the capabilities of the whole market, from start-ups, to scale ups, to multi-nationals.’ And citizens, Government, and UK Plc will all feel the benefit.”
Raising the SME voice
The Council is comprised of 24 members and half of the spaces are reserved for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The group works hard to raise the voice of SME suppliers in the public sector tech space.
CGC SME vice-chair, Abigail Wyndham, Stellarmann added: “This week, a government department reported a 20 per cent reduction in SME supplier spending for the last fiscal year. Given this worrying statistic, it is increasingly important now that the Council works in partnership with central government’s Commercial and Tech Leadership to advise and demonstrate how to work with SMEs to create a modern digital government and improve public services. We aim to help drive and support the government’s pledge of ‘£1 in every 3 spent’ promise. We will support our SME members and help them navigate the challenging routes to becoming successful government suppliers.”
Priorities and plans
In December 2024, a new group of members were elected to serve a two-year term on the Council. This cohort will continue the previous Council’s focus on procurement, market engagement, and digital transformation. However, the work takes place in the context of a new advancements in technology, a different government administration and fresh priorities.
The group works hard to raise the voice of SME suppliers in the public sector tech space
CGC Chair, Giles Hartwright, IBM commented: “The Council is passionate about making a tangible difference in how government engages with technology. We want to prioritise influencing the adoption, implementation, and scaling of technology – in particular AI, Automation, Data and legacy infrastructure modernisation. We aim to leverage the council’s collective experience to ensure government maximises the potential of these.
Our goal is to strengthen techUK’s voice, enhance members’ engagement with government, and create a platform for driving transformative change in public sector technology”.
This enthusiastic group of techUK members is poised to capitalise on the momentum of the government’s positive approach to public sector technology and support the delivery of digitally enabled effective public services.
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Manchester City Council: a human-first digital future
Once the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester’s rich legacy of innovation has been preserved by a thriving digital ecoystem, that similarly embraces the extraordinary pace of technological change. Today, Manchester is recognised as the UK’s number one regional tech city outside of London and the South East, and the fastest-growing tech hub in the North of England
While Manchester’s vibrant digital sector plays an increasingly important role in the city’s growth, the opportunities technology creates are not universally accessible. In a city that over 10,000 digital and tech businesses call home, more than a quarter of Manchester’s neighbourhoods sit within the highest scoring group of the Manchester Digital Exclusion Index, leaving residents isolated from the skills, resources and connectivity essentials they need to be able to fully participate in an increasingly digital world.
The pace of technological change has never been faster. As digital increasingly shapes the ways we navigate and interact with the world around us, Internet access has transformed from a luxury to a neccessity. Sitting alongside
Greater Manchester’s £6.1 billion digital ecosystem, over 450,000 residents are classed as “non-users” of the Internet, excluded from economic opportunities, social connections, and access to vital services. Proximity to innovation does not necessite access to its benefits.
At Manchester City Council, we champion a people-centred approach to digital, rooted in the belief that technology should enrich everyone in our city. To realise a genuinely inclusive future society, we have a responsibility to avoid excerbating existing inequalities for communities that struggle with barriers to digital access and create opportunities for everyone to shape, experience, and benefit from new technologies. E
F To achieve this vision, Manchester’s five-year Digital Strategy: Doing Digital Together sets out a clear plan of action to achieve a progressive, equitable and sustainable digital future.
Supporting Manchester City Council’s ambitions to become a world-leading digital city, the Digital Strategy builds upon the city’s existing strengths to lay the foundations for a digital sector that empowers and uplifts our diverse communities, offering new opportunities for residents and attracting investment for sustainable growth.
We believe that digital innovation should not only create opportunities for economic growth and business success, but drive positive change in the lives of ordinary people, inspiring solutions to social challenges and delivering meaningful public benefit.
Our commitment to these core values underpins every initiative driving the delivery of the Digital Strategy.
Through showcasing the impact of humancentred approaches to technology in driving sustainability, economic growth and digital equity, we aim to demonstrate how embracing inclusive innovation through cross sector partnerships and collaboration can deliver a better quality of life for everyone in our city.
For a broader range of people to meaningfully engage with technology, including those from communities at greater risk of digital exclusion, inclusive opportunities to access training and resources need to be within reach.
People’s Panel for AI
The People’s Panel for AI, developed in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, aims to redress the imbalance of power in decision-making around AI initiatives. Interactive roadshows and training sessions, held in areas of Manchester most at risk of digital exclusion, empower residents to explore the risks and opportunities of AI and better understand the impact it could have on their lives. Residents who enroll as panellists apply the skills and knowledge gained in training to consult with sector leaders across health, social care, transport and digital, supporting publicfacing services to better respond to the needs, challenges and hopes of communities.
Digital Inclusion Toolkit Project
Through the Digital Inclusion Toolkit project, our Digital Inclusion team has supported over 48 grassroots organisations to become digital
Through the
Digital
Inclusion Toolkit project, our Digital Inclusion team has supported over 48 grassroots organisations to become digital centre partners
centre partners, and helped to establish 37 National Databank centres. In 2024, over 8,000 free mobile SIMS were distributed by our Libraries team alone. Through building the infrastructure for community-based digital and tech support, and supporting the provision of SIM cards for people who struggle to access the Internet, the project has enabled more people to use, understand and navigate new technologies. For many residents, receiving the support to get online has been transformative –enabling parents to engage with their children’s education, jobseekers to explore career pathways, and elderly people to stay connected with friends and family.
Even where residents possess the skills and knowledge to navigate the Internet effectively, lack of reliable access to a digital device can be a significant barrier to accessing opportunities and services online.
XMA Partnership
The Digital Inclusion team’s partnership with IT provider XMA has provided 300 laptops to charitable organisations and people across Manchester, at no cost. Alongside supporting the circular economy and reducing harmful e-waste, connecting charities with high quality refurbished devices has helped to alleviate the challenges charities face in meeting demand for services and empowered community
As part of the wider Our Manchester Strategy, we have a commitment to become a more connected, progressive and equitable city
organisations to scale their impact to support more people.
As our dependency on digital services grows, having reliable and future-proofed digital infrastructure has become essential to support increasing technological demand. High-speed, secure and affordable connectivity should not be a luxury of the privileged; everyone in Manchester should should be able to engage with the digital world. At Manchester City Council, we aim to ensure that our digital infrastructure is equipped to meet the needs of all people, businesses and organisations in our city.
Small Cells Connectivity Agreement
As part of the wider Our Manchester Strategy, we have a commitment to become a more connected, progressive and equitable city. Following a tripartite connectivity agreement between Amey, Freshwave and the City E
Our active engagement with the global digital community has strengthened our relationships with stakeholders at home and abroad
F Council, 20 Virgin Media O2 small cells were deployed in busy areas of the city to reduce demand on the wider mobile network, improving the quality of service across Manchester to allow more people to stay connected throughout the day.
Mobile Connectivity Mapping
Our mobile connectivity mapping project, delivered in partnership with street asset mapping company Network UX, aims to build a clearer picture of the current connectivity landscape in Manchester. Through collaboration with our waste disposal partners, Biffa, sensors capturing the speed of telecommunications operations were attached to Manchester City Council’s fleet of bin lorries. By tapping into existing resources, we could eliminate the need for dedicated survey vehicles, reducing the burden on the environment. By understanding which areas have the best connectivity, and which are in greater need of digital support, we can begin to develop solutions that address inequalities in network access. Initital data will
be used to inform the Council’s Our Town Hall project, identifying the coverage and capacity needs of mobile signal around the renovated town hall to improve quality of service for staff and visitors.
Digital Infrastructure Design Guide
Although reliable connectivity is essential for economic growth and digital inclusion, the construction of digital infrastructure can cause significant disruption to a city. Working with a range of stakeholders across the digital, technology and construction fields, the Digital Strategy has contributed to the development of the Digital Infrastructure Design Guide, which offers practical guidance on how best to deploy digital infrastructure in new developments. Advocating “home run” fibre networks and a “dig once” accreditation policy, the guide aims to give Internet providers more control over the services they deliver, offer people in Manchester more meaningful choices between Internet packages, and reduce the impact of construction on residents’ everyday lives. The Digital Infrastructure Design Guide also supports our wider sustainability ambitions by reducing the unnecessary construction of digital assets to mitigate impact on the environment. To fully capitalise on the possibilities offered by digital, it’s essential that we grow an ecosystem where innovation can thrive, creating equitable opportunities for investment, employment and learning.
Regional Start-Up Landscape Report
Our Regional Start-Up Landscape report, with research led by industry experts Manchester Digital and Glenluna Ventures, draws upon insights gathered from surveys, roundtable discussions and events to provide practical recommendations for strengthening the regional start-up ecosystem. Offering perspectives from a diverse range of founders, investors and accelerators across the city, the report aims to help us better understand the challenges facing the start up sector, including barriers to investment. Set for release in March, the report aims to equip stakeholders with datainformed insights to advocate for alternative growth strategies and grater inclusivity within investment networks.
AI for All Conference
Last year, our AI for All conference brought together AI experts, non-profit organisations, businesses, community leaders and AI experts to explore the positive impact of artificial intelligence. A call to action for developing AI systems and approaches that prioritise human needs, the event aimed to generate discussions, ideas and questions around how we might drive more inclusive and ethical approaches for AI in Manchesester.
CommuniCity Challenges
Beyond the UK, we’ve been grateful for opportunities to champion the values of the
As a Council, we are proud to embrace innovation through the active exploration of new technologies
Strategy on the international stage. Our active engagement with the global digital community has strengthened our relationships with stakeholders at home and abroad, created opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, and enabled us to influence thinking around digital on a wider scale. After taking part in the Eurocities Digital Forum in Rotterdam, we became the first UK city outside of London to join CommuniCity, an EU-funded programme that aims to inspire solutions key to social issues faced by underserved communities. Through our three city pilots, we hope to trial solutions that could increase public engagement with food banks, improve access to culture for marginalised communities, and remove barriers preventing people in poverty from accessing support.
These outcomes have not been achieved alone. Only by working together to harness Manchester’s incredible wealth of skills, passion and expertise can we realise our ambitions to unlock the potential of digital and technology for the benefit of everyone in our city.
As a Council, we are proud to embrace innovation through the active exploration of new technologies. Drawing on our city’s unique culture of collaboration and community, our people-centered and value-driven approach to technology defines our identity as an internationally leading digital city.
Prioritising public benefit is not antithetical to economic growth and innovation; rather, it supports and amplifies both. Through our Digital Strategy we aim to ensure Manchester not only sustains and nutures our digital ecosystem, but strengthens its connection with the people, organisations and services that make out city unique.
Through collaboration with everyone in the city – our public, private and voluntary sectors, our community organisations, and our residents – Manchester City Council’s pioneering approach to digital puts human needs and values first, always.
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Norfolk County Council: innovation in the public sector
Norfolk County Council is leading the way in digital innovation, tackling connectivity challenges in rural areas with creative solutions. By using bin lorries to map real mobile signal coverage, the council is ensuring better data-driven decision-making for residents, businesses, and service providers. Kurt Frary, head of IT & chief technology officer, shares how this pioneering approach is setting a national benchmark for smarter public services
Embracing change, leading the way
At a time where technology is rapidly changing, offering the potential to transform services, speed up service delivery and enhance people interactions. Norfolk County Council stands proudly at the forefront or innovation, embracing technology, innovating and trying new approaches to address key issues like pioneering the use of a fleet of bin lorries to improve connectivity, yes bin lorries!
Connectivity is key
Living, working and delivering services in a large rural county like Norfolk has its connectivity challenges both in terms of delivery of broadband services and mobile network. Whilst we have worked hard to improve broadband coverage and speeds in the region from 42 per cent to over 90 per cent today, mobile connectivity has been a little more challenging so warrants a different approach.
The foundation of modern tech is connectivity, as without it we don’t have access to Digital, Data and Technology or systems & services, information and things like Artificial Intelligence. If we are to deliver good quality services across the county, we need to ensure a good reliable performing mobile connection everywhere which sadly is not always the case. We need good quality data not only showing if a connection exists, but if you can make a call, if you can access the internet or online systems, the performance and the best mobile network operators.
And this is where bin lorries come in…
Mobile signal mapping
Norfolk’s latest innovation initiative uses bin lorries to map mobile signals and performance of all four mobile network operators. Current mobile coverage claims have been tested and found to be inaccurate, possibly
Norfolk’s latest innovation initiative uses bin lorries to map mobile signals and performance of all four mobile network operators
due to being created by predictive desktopbased surveys where the real coverage and performance is very different.
We have collaborated very closely with our district council colleagues in the region, as they also need good mobile connectivity and have a fleet of refuse lorries that visit each & every residence and business throughout their districts and the county.
In addition, after initial discussions with the refuse lorry operators, they also expressed a need for enhanced mobile signals in the region, so we pushed on an open door to enable the use of their refuse trucks to collect mobile network data from every household and business.
Norfolk County Council, working with Streetwave, installed a mobile phone pack on each refuse lorry to collect the mobile information as it travelled the county. The data, once collected, is presented on a dashboard showing comprehensive mobile coverage, connectivity, data, and performance across the county.
Benefits
There a quite a few benefits from this initiative. We now have a map of Norfolk showing us where we have good mobile signal and where we do not which enables us to plan services and service delivery.
We have made the Dashboard available to residents so they can enter a postcode and see what the real connectivity is like in areas they are interested in before moving home.
Businesses can use the service to see if they can take payments over the mobile network in a region or if they can deliver a new service in an area.
This data has enabled us to have data-based discussions with Ofcom and the mobile network operators about addressing shortfalls in our region.
Conclusion
Exploring, innovating, and using new technologies ensures that we can continue to deliver high-quality services in our region. It also makes it a great place to live and do business, setting a benchmark for the rest of the country. That said, we are a team in the public sector, sharing our work and findings with other public sector organizations through groups such as Socitm and the LGA.
Conversion of existing hardware to ChromeOS Flex (or config and deployment of new devices)
Set up of organisational units and group policies in accordance with your needs
Deploying the applications, bookmarks and settings your users need to perform
Two days of training, tailored to suit your staff’s skill levels and schedule
Bridging the Digital Divide in Kirklees with ChromeOS
Say goodbye to throwing away old laptops and computers. ChromeOS Flex breathes new life into ageing Windows and MacOS devices, making it an affordable and accessible approach to increasing digital access on a local scale
Imagine a single parent unable to apply for jobs because they lack a computer, or an elderly resident struggling to access vital healthcare information online. These are the realities of digital exclusion, a challenge that public sector organisations are increasingly committed to addressing. But with budget constraints and limited resources, finding a cost-effective and manageable solution is essential. This is where ChromeOS Flex steps in.
ChromeOS Flex
ChromeOS Flex breathes new life into ageing Windows and MacOS devices, transforming them into secure, cloud-powered machines. This not only reduces electronic waste, aligning with public sector sustainability goals, but also offers significant cost savings. Instead of buying new hardware, which would be an expense no council can afford at present, we can use ChromeOS Flex to repurpose existing devices that would otherwise be scrapped, freeing up budget for other important projects.
Digital access
In Kirklees, a borough of over 425,000 residents in West Yorkshire, the council recognised the urgent need to expand digital access for its citizens. “In an increasingly digital world, connectivity is essential for full participation in society,” says Charles Crossland, IT Change Manager for Kirklees Council. “Beyond economic challenges, the digital divide affects mental health, civic engagement, job prospects and overall quality of life.”
To address this issue, Kirklees had previously deployed around ten devices at each of their 25 libraries, all of which were Windows devices managed internally on private areas of their
network. Difficult to manage and scale, in addition to the inherent security concerns, it wasn’t feasible to significantly increase the number of digital stations to support more users. ChromeOS Flex provided the solution.
Today, over 1,500 ChromeOS devices are used by residents through programmes that offer a range of lending options, from short-term use at digital hubs in local libraries, courthouses and other council buildings, to longer-term loans where residents can take devices home to use for weeks or months.
“We have increased the number of devices by 1,500, however, management is now easier than ever. Managing 200 Windows devices once consumed a full-time IT role. Now, with ChromeOS device management, it is a fraction of the workload, saving us 40 hours per week,” adds Mr. Crossland.
If your department is ready to address digital exclusion in your community and empower citizens with access to technology without adding to the burden of your IT department or budget, Getech, Google’s Number Premier Partner in the UK and Ireland, has unlocked funding for local authorities and NHS Trusts to put ChromeOS Flex to the test with their managed Proof of Concept package, Jumpstart. See the page opposite for more information or reach out to the team to discuss your project. M
The digital landline switchover: what it means and how to prepare
The switch from traditional landlines to digital phone services is a major shift – one that could leave vulnerable individuals without vital connections. Elizabeth Andersen, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, explores the risks, the gaps in awareness, and what local authorities and communities can do now to ensure no one is left behind ahead of the 2027 switchover
The way we use our landline phones is changing radically – with phone calls running over the internet, rather than via the traditional copper network. For many of us this has little impact – but for those reliant on landlines, it’s a major change. It’s of even bigger concern for those who have other services operating over the telephone network – such as telecare or alarm systems. So what does everyone need to know (minus the jargon), and how can you help your communities?
What’s the situation been?
Whilst many people use mobiles now for making calls, a significant number of people –especially older people – still prefer a landline. The landline isn’t going away, but how it works is changing completely. Traditionally, telephones have run over a copper network. For corded phones, this also provided a low electrical charge to power the telephone –which is why traditional landlines that aren’t plugged into the mains still work in a power cut.
Other types of alarm services have also been designed to operate in this way – including telecare alarms (personal alarm pendants and bracelets worn by those who are older or vulnerable), lift alarms, burglar alarms –and even point of sale systems used by small businesses. For decades this has been the same.
In 2016, it was announced that these traditional lines would become digital by 2025 (now put back to January 2027). Much as businesses use VOIP (voice over internet protocol), this will become the norm for home users that still maintain a landline.
Why does this matter?
There wasn’t much communication about this change in 2016, or even when a gradual change started in 2021. Compared to the digital TV switchover of 2012 – which saw national campaigns across multi-channel platforms, digital switchover has seen little fanfare or explanation, limited to letters for compulsory migrations and local press and radio adverts in affected regions.
There are well established cases where people were left without telecare – because many existing telecare devices don’t work over a new VOIP world, they need the copper network to communicate, like other alarms and other technologies. When two vulnerable customers died as a result of telecare devices no longer working, companies began to pause their roll out and government stepped in. This ultimately
There are also conversations between government, local authorities and telephony providers to share data on vulnerable customers
resulted in the deadline for the move being pushed from 2025 to January 2027 – something which the Digital Poverty Alliance campaigned for, along with Silver Voices and other charities.
Quite separately to telecare, there remain concerns that in power cuts, those who have been used to a landline still working in a power outage will find that’s no longer the case. Again, where some of us would simply turn to our mobile, if you don’t routinely use a smartphone, this is a concern. There are back-up batteries available, but these are not provided by communications providers unless the customer is vulnerable or has no mobile signal – and consumer research showed that it’s frequently down to the customer to highlight this, rather than any checks.
There’s also the concern that people may be moved over without quite knowing what they have signed up for. If you move contract today, and you currently have a traditional landline connection, that will no longer work – but this isn’t necessarily specified. You will need to plug your phone and any other devices into your router, and set up that router. You will also need to check that they are compliant with the router – which has been the issue on telecare.
So where are we now?
There are new protections for those with telecare. Assisted journeys, mandated by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, mean communication providers must check whether people have telecare and whether they have access to a mobile phone, and provide support for set up. Engineers must not leave the home until the telecare is working or another solution is in place, although this is one-off support, not ongoing.
The TSA who represent telecare providers are also actively promoting the need for much better communication, the prevention of the sale of telecare devices that won’t work once a copper connection is gone, and a joined-up plan ahead of 2027.
There are also conversations between government, local authorities and telephony E
F providers to share data on vulnerable customers, to reduce the reliance on customers having to highlight their needs to their providers. Data sharing is a huge issue, with hundreds of telecommunication companies all needing access to the same data – but avoiding revealing sensitive information unnecessarily and without the right data protection protocols.
Has this solved the issue?
No. The Digital Poverty Alliance believes there is still a lot to be done.
For one, we believe that for the most vulnerable customers – and their families, carers and support networks, a lot more information is needed. This includes an awareness of the changes, but also the changes of behaviour that are needed. Older people are used to simple phones that if plugged into the wall, work unless there is a fault on the line. They will now need support – so for example, if the router loses connection, what to do.
This also ties into concerns around responsible selling and support from telephone companies – for many, the jargon (upstream network speeds, anyone?) is confusing, especially if you don’t use the internet regularly. And it relates to how people use their phone and prepare for contingencies. As one example, if you have a mobile, you won’t receive a free battery back up – but we also hear regularly that older people may have a mobile that they use occasionally, and don’t always know they need to constantly keep charged as their landline will no longer work in a power cut.
With a major communications campaign planned ahead of 2027, we know this may raise
Engage with
communication providers,
and make sure that you are linked in to receiving news and updates
more questions than it answers, including around timings and behaviours.
We also can’t possibly know everyone who has telecare. The new pathways rely either on data sharing or customers self-notifying. This in itself relies upon people understanding what they need to declare. Vulnerable customers have greater protections – but few people want to label themselves as such. And different companies have different routes by which you can achieve this, with some being much clearer than others.
So what can we do now?
Local authorities have routes to know your people. Engage with communication providers, and make sure that you are linked in to receiving news and updates. If you aren’t sure if your authority is in touch with the major providers, ask around – and if you still aren’t certain, you can contact TechUK who will make sure you are receiving information and can discuss sharing data about vulnerable residents.
Be ready to share information into the community. The communications campaign is coming – make sure everyone in the local authority knows about this and how to answer questions and concerns. This isn’t purely a social care project or a tech project. Your frontline staff need to be aware. Think about who may be able to signpost or advocate, from those answering switchboard calls through to teaching staff or inclusion teams – and crucially, local councillors.
And think about what other support you can have available. Do you have a wider digital inclusion programme? Do you know the rates of digital poverty in your area? Have you thought about how you can provide support to those who are offline or lack digital skills? If not, contact us at the Digital Poverty Alliance, join our free Local Authority Network, and receive ideas and support for your own teams – including around the digital telephone switchover, and much more.
FURTHER INFORMATION digitalpovertyalliance.org
G-CLOUD 14
THE FUTURE IS CLOUD
Driving efficiency, security, and innovation
G-CLOUD EXPLAINED Understanding public sector procurement
The benefits of cloud computing for the UK public sector
As public sector organisations face increasing pressure to modernise, cloud computing is playing a crucial role in their digital transformation. This article explores the key benefits of cloud adoption and real-world examples of its impact across the UK
In an era of digital transformation, cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern public services in the UK. From healthcare and law enforcement to local councils and central government, cloud technology is driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing service delivery for millions of citizens. With growing demands for digitalfirst services, public sector organisations are increasingly turning to the cloud to improve scalability, security, and collaboration.
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, over the internet rather than relying on local servers or personal devices. Instead of maintaining costly onpremise infrastructure, organisations can access scalable, on-demand resources provided by Cloud platforms. This approach can provide greater flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced
security, offering benefits for the private and public sectors.
For the public sector, adopting cloud technology offers a wide range of advantages that can drive greater efficiency and innovation. As government agencies look to streamline operations and deliver better services to citizens, the cloud provides a flexible and secure solution to meet these evolving needs.
Cost
Using cloud services can provide financial savings to the public sector, by reducing the need for onsite infrastructure. IT resources can be scaled as needed and therefore organisations only need to pay for what they use. This helps to optimise budgets and reduce unnecessary spending, meaning taxpayer’s money can be redirected where it is really needed. E
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F Scalability and flexibility
Cloud services offer the benefit of flexibility. Services can experience fluctuating demand, for example around elections or during the festive period. With the benefit of cloud services, organisations can scale resources up or down instantly, and therefore continue to provide efficient services.
Enhanced security and compliance
With the public sector being a prime target for cyber attacks, cloud services can provide enhanced security, when it comes to data protection, cyber security and regulatory compliance.
Improved collaboration and remote working
With more people working from home and central government organisations spreading out around the country, cloud-based tools allow employees to work from anywhere. This can help improve collaboration and productivity and support hybrid working models. This allows government organisations to hire talent across the country rather than focussed in the capital. Cloud technology also offers employees the benefit of hybrid and flexible working, helping to boost employee satisfaction and retention.
Faster deployment and innovation
Cloud services offer the benefit of speedy set up. Traditional IT infrastructure can take months to set up, while cloud services can be deployed within hours. This enables quicker implementation of new public services and digital transformation initiatives.
Cloud-based tools allow employees to work from anywhere
Disaster recovery and resilience
In the case of cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures, cloud solutions offer continuity. The use of cloud services provides a backup should a problem occur, and offers automated backups, and failover mechanisms that allow operations to continue seamlessly or restart more quickly than using other methods. This helps to minimise the impact on public services should an incident occur.
Environmental benefits
Cloud computing can help in the goal of reducing the carbon footprint of public sector IT by optimising energy consumption, consolidating workloads, and minimising reliance on physical hardware. Traditional onpremise data centres can require extensive power for cooling, maintenance, and hardware operation, which can lead to inefficiencies and high energy consumption. On the other hand, cloud services operate large-scale, energyefficient data centres that can use advanced cooling technologies, renewable energy sources, and automated resource management to reduce waste. By shifting to the cloud, public sector organisations can decrease their dependence on energy-intensive infrastructure, lower emissions, and contribute to broader sustainability goals. Buyers should check their providers environmental credentials in each case. E
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F assessed their technology estate, they reviewed business applications, contracts, and data structures, allowing them to refine their API strategy in line with GDS technical and data standards.
Once the FSA had clear requirements, selecting and onboarding suppliers was straightforward. They opted for a three-year contract for greater flexibility and chose Office 365 as their platform due to its minimal differences from Google, ease of transition, and compatibility with ongoing transformation efforts. Alongside this, the FSA overhauled its website and intranet, downsized offices, and introduced new technology and flexible working options for staff. Employees could choose their preferred devices and work arrangements, while ‘User Technology Reps’ were appointed to enhance engagement and communication around the changes.
To further strengthen their operations, the FSA addressed skills gaps by hiring supplier staff as civil servants and explored new ways to communicate with businesses. Their strategy avoided locking into specific suppliers, instead maintaining flexibility with multiple cloud hosting providers to adapt to future needs. This approach ensured that the FSA could continue evolving its digital infrastructure while remaining responsive to organisational and technological shifts.
The FSA’s strategy prioritises supplier flexibility by avoiding lock-in, opting for adaptable contracts, and using a single supplier at a time for simplicity while maintaining the ability to switch when needed.
Initially, the FSA expected that changing contracts every 2–3 years would be challenging, but their strategic approach made the process much easier. They only renegotiated contracts when there were clear benefits, avoiding unnecessary changes that offered no real
This approach has delivered significant benefits, including an overall 10 per cent cost saving across IT budgets and equipment
gain. With each renewal, the process became more streamlined, allowing them to identify underused services, eliminate duplication, and reduce costs. While they generally use shorter contracts for flexibility, they opt for longer ones when dealing with stable technology that is unlikely to require frequent updates.
This approach has delivered significant benefits, including an overall 10 per cent cost saving across IT budgets and equipment. The FSA has also built a more flexible business model, enabling seamless remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, their upgraded infrastructure has improved security, enhanced system resilience, and enabled faster repairs and equipment distribution, ensuring a more efficient and reliable service.
G-Cloud
The public sector can leverage the G-Cloud framework to simplify cloud adoption and access cost-effective, scalable technology solutions. This government-backed framework provides a streamlined procurement process, allowing organisations to choose from a wide range of pre-approved cloud service providers without lengthy tendering processes. By using G-Cloud, public sector bodies can quickly adopt secure, flexible cloud solutions that improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and reduce costs, all while avoiding vendor lock-in and ensuring compliance with government standards.
G-Cloud 14
G-Cloud 14 offers public sector organisations access to over 46,000 cloud services from more than 4,000 suppliers. This latest iteration simplifies procurement, providing flexible and cost-effective cloud solutions across hosting, software, and support categories. It promotes innovation, transparency, and efficiency, with a focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises, making it easier for organisations to access scalable services at competitive rates
In November 2024, G-Cloud 14, the newest iteration of the UK Government’s cloud computing procurement agreement launched, replacing its predecessor, G-Cloud 13. Since its inception in 2012, the G-Cloud Agreement, as part of the Crown Commercial Service (CSS), has generated £2.3 billion in commercial benefits, demonstrating sizeable savings for the public over the last decade. This amounts to an average of £192 million each year.
What is G-Cloud-14?
Public sector customers can buy the latest cloud-based computing services across hosting, software, and cloud support categories, and the service includes many off-the-shelf, payas-you-go cloud solutions, which are beneficial for customers that only want to pay for services
they actually use. Organisations can have the latest technology accessible at their fingertips, thanks to updates with each refresh of the G-Cloud agreement.
This agreement encourages public sector organisations to evaluate and pursue cloudbased services, which are available at better rates, and the aim for simplicity means the process is streamlined and efficient. There is no OJEU, Invitation to Tender (ITT), Request for Price (RFP), request for quote (RFQ), request for information (RFI), or negotiation involved in the buying process.
G-Cloud is available for all public sector organisations including: central government, charities, education, health, local authority, blue light (police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue), devolved administrations, and E
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F British overseas territories. All suppliers of a cloud service can apply to sell on the G-Cloud framework, and they do not need to be based in the UK to do so.
Why do I need G-Cloud 14?
The newest version will run for 18 months, ending in April 2026, and provides customers access to over 46,000 services over 4,000 different suppliers, 90 per cent of these being small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With 70 per cent of the total suppliers being classed as micro and small organisations, the CCS’s cloud procurement agreement allows suppliers of all sizes to succeed across the public sector in a competitive marketplace.
G-Cloud 14 is a particularly attractive agreement for public sector organisations as it allows them to access scalable services where business can just pay for what they use, which works out much cheaper than running their own services in house. G-Cloud 14 is accessible, easy to navigate, and straightforward. Organisations can compare the latest cloud services easily through having them all in the Digital Marketplace. Buying and selling on the Digital Marketplace differs depending on the framework and services being exchanged, but buyers and suppliers still need to sign a contract (a ‘call-off contract’) for each service bought through the framework.
G-Cloud
is available for all public sector organisations including: central government, charities, education, health, local authority, blue light, devolved administrations, and British overseas territories
G-Cloud has been frequently re-procured throughout its lifetime, maintaining a focus on innovation and facilitating the addition of new and emerging technologies and suppliers to the framework between iterations, constantly modernising and improving the services on offer. An additional key benefit of the G-Cloud framework is the transparency it provides to public sector organisations, with the catalogue detailing suppliers’ full service information, including service definitions, pricing and the suppliers’ terms and conditions. This gives buyers the full picture of services available to them, allowing them to make informed decisions about the services they buy and maximise the value they achieve from their procurement. E
What is Dictalogic?
Dictalogic is a robust enterprise cloudbased dictation solution. It simplifies the documentation process by using features such as speech to text, multiple speaker conversation to text and a desktop speech to text widget.
The platform includes a centralised dashboard for seamless workflow management. Offering granular controls and transactional functionality. It is powered by a state-of-the-art speech engine with over a hundred languages supported. It is a truly global and comprehensive dictation powerhouse solution for all your global offices. All within an amazing single user-friendly SaaS portal.
that no
G-Cloud has been frequently re-procured throughout its lifetime, maintaining a focus on innovation
F Phillip Orumwense, commercial director and chief procurement officer for technology at Crown Commercial Service, said: “G-Cloud continues to be a great public sector success, offering significant opportunities to a large number of SMEs and providing an easily accessible marketplace to access cloud computing services.
“This new iteration demonstrates CCS’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the buying process for our customers as we work to unlock the full power of procurement.”
Further details
G-Cloud 14, like its predecessor, comprises four lots, 1-3 of which are accessible via the Contract Award Service (CAS), whereas Lot 4 is accessible through the CCS’s eSourcing platforms. Both of these pathways will require their customers to register.
Lot 1 Hosting gives buyers platform or infrastructure services for processing and storing data, running software and networking, as well as cloud hosting, which grants the capability to deploy, manage and run software, alongside processing, storage, or network resources. Services covered by this lot include archiving, backup and recovery, and databases. E
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F Lot 2 Cloud Software offers applications that are usually available over the internet or private network and hosted in the cloud, such as accounting and finance, creative, design and publishing, and marketing.
Lot 3 Cloud Support offers support to help set up and maintain cloud software or hosting services, including: cloud migration planning, set up and migration, security services, quality assurance and performance testing, training, and ongoing support.
G-Cloud 14 Lot 4, which was introduced for the first time in the framework’s previous iteration, is for further competition only, and enables organisations to compete in larger and more complex cloud support requirements, though there is no minimum spend requirement here. It covers the same scope as Lot 3, but requires buyers to run their own further competitions across the range of services.
New for this edition of the framework, G-Cloud 14 has seen the introduction of economic and financial standing assessments of prospective suppliers to the selection process for Lots 1-3. Financial assessment has already been a requirement when selecting Lot 4 suppliers. This additional assessment reassures customers of the credibility of suppliers. E
Lot 3 Cloud Support offers support to help set up and maintain cloud software or hosting services
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F Limitations and redirects in G-Cloud 14
Although G-Cloud 14 comprises a wide range of cloud services, there are some limitations. Buyers cannot use G-Cloud 14 to buy co-location services (buyers are redirected to use RM5252 Crown Hosting II), non-cloud related services (buyers are redirected to RM4187 Management Consultancy Framework 3 or, for non-cloud technology services, to RM6100 Technology Services), bespoke design and development (buyers are redirected to use RM1043.8 Digital Outcomes 6), hardware services (buyers are directed to use RM6068 Technology Products
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and Associated Services or RM6194 Back Office Software), or recruitment. G-Cloud 15 will replace this framework from April 2026, and work for this is already underway.
Seth Finegan, UK CEO of Informed Solutions which has been named as a supplier on G-Cloud 14, said: “As a scaling data science, AI, and digital technology provider the value of G-Cloud as an effective marketplace has been substantial.
“Through G-Cloud we’ve been presented with opportunities to bid for and win nationally significant digital transformation contracts for essential cloud-based services that are used by millions of people every day in an increasingly connected and converged world.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/ RM1557.14
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Cyber security underpins everything we want to do
In January, Socitm published its Public Sector Digital Trends report for 2025. The Institute team undertake months of research to create ‘trends’ rather than predictions. ‘Trends’ are about enduring change – those digital impacts and technology developments that will, over time, have a lasting effect, Carol Williams explains
My dual roles within local public services and the membership charity Socitm give me access to wonderful people and ideas. We are a sector which has a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate despite adversity. This latest piece of work from Socitm will chime with my colleagues across public service. It’s a call to action for all of us to think beyond traditional constructs.
Here I’m focusing in on the cyber security part of the report and narrowing in on local support and AI – acknowledging the threats but also some of the ways in which AI is already being used to secure our data and anticipate these new threats.
Cyber security focus – not just for 2025
As conflicts escalate beyond borders, all our organisations are being urged to bolster their cyber defences.
Making sure we’re protected from unauthorised access to data and systems, as well as preventing data loss or leakage, is always a top priority.
We in the public sector, as everywhere, need to adopt robust strategies to stay ahead of new threats and risks. Risks such as AI, distributed cloud models and the increasing use of IoT devices.
Use your local experts
The Cyber Technical Advisory Group (CTAG) and Warning, Advice and Reporting Points (WARPs) have generated significant benefits for local public service organisations.
CTAG has facilitated the development of best practice assets, such as securing Office 365 guidance and incident response policies. These are widely circulated and adopted by WARPs and councils. The collaboration has led to increased cyber maturity across local authorities.
WARPs are community-based services. Members receive and share up-to-date advice on information security threats, incidents and solutions. Reducing the burden on individual organisations.
Overall, the synergy between CTAG and WARPs has strengthened the cyber resilience of public services and critical infrastructure, ensuring they remain safe and up to date in a fast-paced digital landscape.
Come along to CTAG workshops and find and join your local WARP here E
F Incidents
Socitm’s analysis reveals several significant challenges that councils may face because of cyber incidents: complete loss of access to IT systems and data; service disruption; data exfiltration and potential breaches; communication difficulties; balancing service restoration with security considerations; resource constraints; rapid decision-making and response; and a need for enhanced security measures. This all underscores the importance of having robust business continuity plans, IT disaster recovery plans, effective communication strategies, and enhanced security measures in place to manage and recover from cyber incidents.
Managing a cyber-attack and recovery plan
Gloucester City Council experienced a sophisticated ransomware attack that encrypted its servers and disrupted services. The attack began with a spear-phishing email, which led to malware installation and eventual data exfiltration and server encryption. You can read more here
Emerging threats
We expect to see growing trends in AI-driven cyber-attacks – sophisticated phishing, social engineering and deepfake attacks. Leading to identity theft, influence, discredit, fraud and bypassing security measures.
Cloud and IoT vulnerabilities – targeting vulnerabilities in cloud environments and IoT devices, along with the continuous threat of ransomware, multifaceted extortion tactics and supply chain attacks.
How and where is AI helping public services?
As much as AI poses more risks to our cyber security, we can make use of it just as criminals do.
It’s starting to play a pivotal role in enhancing cyber protection and resilience in:
1. Threat detection and prevention:
Machine learning (ML) can analyse vast amounts of data from network traffic, system logs and user activity to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a cyber threat.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems – AI helps to detect and block intrusions by analysing network traffic in real-time and flagging unusual login patterns and data exfiltration attempts.
Malware detection – AI can identify new and evolving forms of malware by analysing characteristics or behaviours instead of relying on predefined signature databases.
Where? Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (USA)
Einstein uses AI and ML to continuously monitor and protect government agencies from cyberattacks by detecting anomalies and blocking malicious activities in real time.
2. Automated response and mitigation
AI can automate incident response processes, reducing the time it takes to mitigate threats. For example, AI-driven systems can isolate affected parts of a network, apply patches and restore services without human intervention enabling faster containment and mitigation of security breaches.
Where? National Cyber Security Centre (UK)
The NCSC has incorporated AI into its cybersecurity frameworks to automate the detection of threats and mitigate attacks before they escalate.
This includes the automated identification and isolation of potentially compromised systems within critical national infrastructure.
3. Vulnerability management
AI can help in identifying, classifying and prioritising vulnerabilities within systems and software. By constantly scanning and assessing the cyber landscape, AI can highlight the likelihood of exploitation.
Where? Australian Cyber Security Centre
The ACSC uses AI to automate the identification and remediation of vulnerabilities across government networks, helping agencies improve their resilience to cyberattacks.
4. Phishing detection
AI can analyse emails and other communications to identify phishing attempts. Natural language processing and ML models can identify suspicious content and warn users before they fall victim to scams.
Where? Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
The CCCS uses AI-powered systems to detect and prevent phishing attacks aimed at federal government employees and the public sector in general. Their tool automatically flags suspicious emails and links in real-time, reducing the risk of successful phishing attacks.
5. Security analytics
AI enhances abilities to analyse security logs and other data sources to uncover hidden threats. Advanced analytics can correlate events across different systems to provide a comprehensive view of the security landscape.
Where?EuropeanUnionAgencyforCybersecurity
They use ML algorithms to map out the AI threat landscape, identify trends and forecast emerging threats.
In summary
Using AI in our cybersecurity will help us to be more resilient against threats. Supporting faster detection, more effective responses, and better overall security management.
Digital leaders: things to think about and do
Basic
Maintain vigilance to protect applications and network infrastructure from unauthorised
access; be proactive in addressing emerging threats; stay updated with compliance and regulatory requirements; and maintain patching and virus checking.
Good
Foster a culture of continuous education and awareness among all employees, staying informed about the latest trends and tactics; and undertake end-to-end testing, compliance checking, change control, regular training sessions, simulations, and updates on emerging cyber risks to empower staff to identify and respond to threats effectively.
Best
Engage senior and political leaders, ensuring that cyber reporting is a routine focus; develop cyber strategies and policies which integrate cyber resilience into a broader organisational picture. Including connections between IT disaster recovery, business continuity planning, emergency response and digital service dependencies – within wider civic resilience planning and testing; and establish a Security Operations Centre, cross-border collaboration and strong supplier management.
What’s working for you? Are you using AI to defend yourself against AI?!
About the author
Carol Williams is Director, Transformation and Digital and SIRO for Walsall Council, Socitm President 2024-25
FURTHER INFORMATION
Find much more in the cyber security section of 2025’s public sector digital trends report here.
BRINGING EDUCATION PEOPLE TOGETHER
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How are teachers using AI?
New research suggests that the majority of teachers are not using artificial intelligence tools professionally. So what needs to happen to ensure AI is harnessed in the right way for the education sector?
According to research by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, the majority of teachers (64 per cent) are not using ChatGPT professionally, including 19 per cent who are ‘not interested’ in using AI anytime in the future.
The survey of over 5,000 teachers found the vast majority (84 per cent) have not changed the way they assess students’ work, despite the availability of AI tools. Only 41 per cent say they are regularly checking homework and coursework for plagiarism content from the web.
What’s more, 41 per cent said their school did not have an agreed approach to AI, and a further 17 per cent didn’t know if any policy had existed.
Inequalities in usage
The results of the research suggest new inequalities in the use and understanding of AI in education.
Although a small proportion of teachers surveyed were from private schools, the trend
was that they were using AI more regularly than their state counterparts.
Teachers in the Northwest, Yorkshire and Northeast were slightly less regular users of AI than those in other regions.
Only a third (36 per cent) of teachers using AI for lesson preparation had ‘admitted it’ to their senior leadership team or head, suggesting it is seen as ‘cheating’ for teachers as well as students.
One computer science teacher said: “Here we are, another technological wave washing over the education sector, leaving us stuck in the 1950s. At the school I’ve started at now, teachers are not allowed to use AI to create lessons. The senior leadership team fear that if they let AI in, it will replace, not enhance teachers.”
In contrast Emma Darcy, director of technology for learning at Denbigh High School, Luton, said they dedicated one period a week to teaching AI and digital literacy. The school also had clear policies on AI for teaching and learning and for acceptable use by students. E
F She said: “We teach students and staff to understand what over-reliance on AI looks like and what the negative aspects are, as well as the positives.”
Media Studies teacher Kelly Midgley, from south Manchester, who was interviewed for the report said: “I didn’t start to use AI until this past year. I was sceptical at the start – visions of Skynet! It’s thought that authentic teaching is when you design all the lessons yourself tailored to that class, and this is probably why some teachers may be cautious when using AI. I’ve now used AI to create text for a “how to” guide; I edited some of the AI text to be more specific and maintain an appropriate tone.”
Common uses of AI
Secondary school teachers who are using AI started using it for tasks such as admin and standard letters, before they progressed into lesson planning and classroom materials preparation.
Teachers have found AI a useful tool not only for time saving, but also for tailoring content. For example, AI is used for last minute preparation or to help a tired teacher at the end of the day.
It is also used for tailoring existing content to different ability levels, age groups and language levels.
The research found AI can also be used to find more creative ways of teaching. One Chemistry teacher had created an ‘Escape Room’ task for his students using ChatGPT for a specific topic that was quite hard to teach.
Another had used AI to find a new way to teach computer networks – this involved the students joining hands in different ways to physically depict the different networks.
The research revealed that the more essay or coursework-based subjects, such as English, and Humanities subjects, saw greater AI use by teachers. And the most common uses of AI by teachers were for creating quizzes and test materials, although some used it to help them write communications to parents and reports.
What can be done to increase usage?
There are still very clear barriers to more widespread uptake of AI by secondary school teachers, ranging from lack of an AI policy in school to lack of formal training, to the negativity surrounding the launch of AI/ChatGPT.
In its report, BCS recommends that understanding of AI is made a significant part of teacher training and heads’ leadership
qualifications alongside wider digital literacy. The study also calls for schools to publish AI policies on their websites.
However, the BCS says that they can only be expected to do that with clear guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), the qualifications regulator (Ofqual), and other relevant bodies. BCS had earlier called for a new digital literacy qualification in schools (which focusses on general skills including using AI tools) alongside the current Computer Science GCSE.
The report also recommends that any AI product or service used in schools, and any IT professional working in schools, should meet clear independent standards around quality, competence, ethics, and transparency.
Julia Adamson MBE, managing director, education & public benefit at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT said: “Teachers see the opportunity AI presents to transform their work and the lives of their students, from saving time on lesson plans, to personalising learning for each young person. But they need better
Teachers have found AI a useful tool not only for time saving, but also for tailoring content
The report also recommends that any AI product or service used in schools, and any IT professional working in schools, should meet clear independent standards around quality, competence, ethics, and transparency
training and guidance to grow in confidence with AI, to make sure it is used fairly and that it doesn’t cause greater disadvantage in the education system.”
Lord Knight of Weymouth, former Schools Minister, said in the foreword to the report: “BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is showing leadership in this conversation, advocating for digital literacy and equitable access to AI tools across all schools. We need robust policies, well defined ethical standards, and a framework for responsible AI use that empowers teachers and prepares students for a future in which AI will play a significant role.”
Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “While it is clear that AI has huge potential benefits for schools and children’s learning, it is important that these are harnessed in the right way.
“It is understandable that school leaders and teachers need training and guidance in order to feel confident using AI. It is also true that no AI tool is infallible or can replace the judgement and knowledge of a human expert. There are also lots of safeguarding and ethical considerations around use of this technology. “It therefore makes sense that AI is introduced gradually in order to maximise its potential and mitigate the risks.”
DTX & UCX Manchester 2025: What’s happening at the North’s biggest tech show?
Manchester will once again become the hub of digital innovation as DTX & UCX returns to Manchester Central on 2-3 April, 2025
DTX & UCX Manchester has established itself as the North’s must-attend event for IT leaders, technologists and digital disruptors. The 2025 edition boasts a renowned lineup of industry pioneers discussing today’s most important technology issues, such as AI and automation, cybersecurity and resilience, cloud computing and DevOps plus the future of work and digital leadership.
This year’s event will welcome top executives and thought leaders from forward-thinking organisations, including Microsoft, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, Forescout, ESET, Moneycorp, BT, Infinidat and TalkTalk. These experts will take to the stage to share insights, lead discussions and explore the latest innovations shaping the tech landscape.
Innovation with Integrity
Among the roster of speakers is Dame Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female athlete in Olympic history. She will headline the event on day one, taking to the main stage to discuss her journey from track to trailblazer and the power of mental resilience.
John Romero, the legendary game creator behind DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein, will enthral his audience on the main stage on day two as he shares his insights on how relentless innovation and creative evolution has turned his idea into an iconic gaming experience. John will also sign books and hand out coveted merchandise.
Also taking to the main stage, on day one, Piers Linney, the UK’s renowned entrepreneur,
former Dragon’s Den investor and Co-Founder of Implement.ai, will explore how businesses can effectively integrate AI into their workforce.
The main stage will also host a dynamic panel session featuring leaders from Microsoft, Lloyds and Sykes Cottages, which will dive deep into strategies for successful AI adoption.
With Manchester as the event’s backdrop, the city itself will also take centre stage. Manchester Digital will lead a discussion on how the city can sustain its rapid tech growth while fostering an inclusive and equitable community. Meanwhile, Transport for Greater Manchester will explore how organisations can lead with integrity, trust and purpose in today’s AI-driven world.
Beyond the main stage, DTX and UCX will also host a jam-packed schedule featuring Rik Ferguson, VP of Security Intelligence at Forescout, Murray Makenzie, Director of Transformation at Virgin Media O2, Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, plus further speakers from the Office for Nuclear Regulation, Jaguar Land Rover and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Manchester Tech Week
DTX & UCX Manchester is more than an event, it’s an immersive experience, running alongside Manchester Tech Week and offering a lineup of exciting partner events. These include: Manchester Digital Startup Activator;
Cyber-lympics with Cyber House Party; Tech UK’s Meet the Investors - dedicated to helping UK tech SMEs navigate scale-up finance; DevOps Manchester Meet up - DevOps Manchester is a community of like-minded individuals that get together and talk about DevOps, whether it’s technical, social or cultural and regardless of industry; Manchester Tech Week Careers Fair; and Manchester’s First Wellness Hub – Offering visitors a chance to recharge with binaural beats and a relaxation lounge.
Don’t miss out
DTX & UCX Manchester is the go-to destination for tech professionals seeking cutting-edge insights, networking opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Stay ahead of the digital curve, join the innovators, pioneers and disruptors shaping the future of technology at DTX & UCX Manchester 2025.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To guarantee a front-row seat and attend Manchester’s most exciting digital event, get your free pass here:
DTX: https://bit.ly/407CrJ
UCX: https://bit.ly/404JxPb
Total Telecom’s Connected North 2025 conference
Returning to Manchester for its fourth year, Total Telecom’s Connected North 2025 conference promises to once again lead the charge in bridging the digital divide and driving transformation in the North of the UK
The drive for better connectivity across the North of the UK is crucial to increasing the region’s global competitiveness and enabling the digital industrial revolution. And so, the need for stronger digital infrastructure and innovation has never been more pressing. Set to attract over 2,500 industry leaders, Connected North, the sister event of Connected Britain (the UK’s largest digital economy event) has firmly established itself as the digital economy forum for the North of the UK. With more than 200 expert speakers on the agenda, this year’s conference will spotlight topics that go beyond infrastructure, diving into areas such as AI, data centres, and cyber resilience — key forces shaping the industry’s future.
Connectivity is the backbone of the Northern economy
At the heart of the event is a mission to reduce the economic disparities between the North and South, empowering northern communities through investments in digital skills, broadband access, and tech-driven job creation. Connected North 2025 will spotlight projects and partnerships that are driving digital inclusion, such as community broadband initiatives and programmes to improve digital literacy. These efforts are essential for empowering individuals and fostering a sense of connectivity that transcends geographic boundaries.
This year’s Connected North is the first under the leadership of the new Labour government, making it an important moment to set the tone for digital policy and regional investment priorities. With fresh leadership in Westminster, the event is an ideal platform to align national ambitions with local needs, allowing collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders. Our Connected Britain conference in September last year saw the minister for data protection and telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, address attendees and outline the new government’s digital priorities; at Connected North, both national and local government officials will take these discussions one step further, with a regional focus on economic development.
A key focus of the new government is digital inclusion, a topic that has been a centrepiece of Connected North since its inception.
“It is a shocking fact that the UK’s digital inclusion strategy is now more than ten years oldand ten years out of date,” said Bryant. “In the UK, around 1.5 million people live in digital poverty with either no or limited access to connectivity. Over two per cent of school children are only able to access the internet at home via a mobile phone, and that figure rises substantially amongst the poorest families. Among low-income adults, 27 per cent also only have access the internet by smartphone.” As is so often the case with economic hardship in the UK, the disparity in access to digital connectivity disproportionately affects Northern communities.
Building a digital powerhouse
But Connected North is not only concerned with shrinking the digital divide between North and South – we believe the North has the capability to become a world leader in digital technology. Many of the North’s biggest cities are already leading the way in smart technology, transforming city-wide infrastructure to better serve their communities. Manchester itself has been at the forefront of initiatives such as intelligent transport systems and energyefficient buildings. Connected North will provide a platform to share these success stories and inspire other regions to follow suit. E
F However, smart city developments are only one piece of the puzzle. True transformation requires a focus on digital inclusion, ensuring that everyone, from urban centres to rural villages, has access to the skills and opportunities they need to make the most of technology.
While urban areas often dominate discussions about connectivity, the challenges of rural regions are just as critical, and arguably more complex. This is especially poignant in the North, where large areas remain underserved by mobile and broadband providers. Connected North will feature dedicated sessions on rural connectivity, highlighting innovative solutions such as community-led broadband projects and government initiatives designed to close the gap. One such success story comes from Connecting Cumbria, which has worked to improve broadband access in one of the UK’s most remote regions. Jonathan Harris, programme director of Connecting Cumbria, will share insights into the project’s achievements and the lessons learned along the way.
Over 200 leaders from major telcos and altnets will join policymakers, local authorities, and tech innovators to discuss challenges and opportunities unique to the North. Attendees will gain insight into the latest developments in 5G and fibre rollouts, smart cities, and rural connectivity, alongside broader discussions on the economic and societal impact of digital innovation.
Confirmed speakers include:
Katherine Fairclough, chief executive, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; Katie Gallagher OBE, managing director, Manchester
Digital; Claire Taylor, chief operating officer, Sheffield City Council; Sean Royce, CEO, Quickline; Colin Hutchinson, CFO, Fibrus; Vicky Hicks, head of engagement, BT Group; Sarah Eynon, broadband programme director, The Scottish Government; Jonathan Harris, programme director, Connecting Cumbria; Tony Morgan, head of regional delivery, Devolved Administrations, BDUK; Beena Puri, GM digital innovation and partnerships lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
What to expect from Connected North
A state-of-the-art networking platform: bringing together over 2,500 attendees and, as well as over 200 exhibitors from across the digital economy ecosystem, Connected North is a unique make meaningful connections and transform your business.
Startup Village: where innovation meets opportunity: The event’s hub for Northern digital startups to network with customers, prospects, partners, VC’s and angel investors. The perfect environment for startups to showcase their business on the Innovate North Stage by participating in the event’s startup pitching competition. Where startups will have the chance to pitch in front of a panel of judges in a bid to win the prestigious Connected North 2025 Startup of the Year Award.
Wind down and develop new relationships at our afterparty: connected North attendees are invited to join us for an evening of networking, with complimentary drinks and live music.
The state of air quality in the UK
Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health across the country. This article explores how poor air quality is monitored and the steps being taken to drive meaningful change
Poor air quality has profound implications for both human health and the environment. While air pollution is often associated with extreme conditions such as wildfires in Greece or dust storms in the Middle East, it remains a pressing issue closer to home.
Air quality is a critical public health concern that affects everyone. In the UK, Coventry has been identified as the most polluted city, with air quality classified as ‘Moderate.’
In 2023, the average PM2.5 concentration in the UK was 1.5 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual air quality guideline. According to the Clean Air Fund , approximately 40,000 premature deaths occur annually in the UK due to air pollution.
The impact of poor
air
quality on public health
The adverse effects of poor air quality extend beyond the respiratory system. The WHO has stated that air pollution can impact nearly every organ in the body.
Extensive research demonstrates that exposure to air pollution reduces life expectancy and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, and other serious health conditions.
Among the most strongly linked health outcomes are stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and pneumonia. The severity of health impacts varies depending on exposure duration, with young children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals being particularly vulnerable.
Environmental consequences of air pollution
Air pollutants such as methane and black carbon are powerful short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) that contribute to global climate change. Many outdoor air pollution sources are also major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. E
Wrexham Council has received £74,000 from the Welsh Government’s Local Air Quality Management Support Fund to enhance air quality monitoring
F Black carbon, a component of fine particulate matter, is one of the most significant contributors to global warming after carbon dioxide. It absorbs sunlight, warming the atmosphere and accelerating the melting of snow and ice.
Monitoring air quality
Despite the daunting challenge of poor air quality, local and central governments are increasingly investing in innovative monitoring technologies.
For example, Cardiff Council has implemented a Clean Air Plan aimed at reducing pollutants and improving air quality. Measures include the introduction of electric buses for city centre routes, a bus retrofitting programme to reduce emissions, taxi mitigation strategies, and broader city centre transport improvements.
Since the late 1990s, UK local authorities have been required to review and assess air quality in their respective areas. This involves measuring pollution levels and forecasting future trends
to ensure compliance with national air quality objectives designed to protect public health and the environment.
If a local authority identifies areas where objectives are unlikely to be met, it must designate them as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). These can range in size from individual streets to entire districts. Cardiff’s AQMAs have successfully improved air quality in the capital.
Additionally, Wrexham Council has received £74,000 from the Welsh Government’s Local Air Quality Management Support Fund to enhance air quality monitoring. The project will establish a network of ten monitors to measure particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and environmental noise, supporting broader efforts to leverage technology for pollution reduction.
These initiatives highlight the increasing role of air quality monitoring in encouraging businesses and organisations to reduce emissions.
Following the success of ULEZ in reducing emissions, other cities across the UK have implemented
Clean Air Zones
Clean Air Zones
Another effective approach to tackling air pollution in the UK is the establishment of Clean Air Zones. The most well-known example is London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
First intro duced in April 2019 to improve air quality in the capital, ULEZ initially covered a small area of inner London. It has since expanded, requiring drivers of non-compliant vehicles to pay a daily charge of £12.50.
Despite some controversy, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has asserted that ULEZ has been more successful than anticipated. Data suggests that nitrogen dioxide concentrations in outer London are 21 per cent lower than they would have been without ULEZ and its expansions. Furthermore, 96 per cent of vehicles in London now meet emissions standards, with a 53 per cent reduction in non-compliant vehicles in just six months.
Following the success of ULEZ in reducing emissions, other cities across the UK have implemented Clean Air Zones. Birmingham, for instance, imposes a daily charge on older petrol and diesel vehicles entering the city’s ring road, targeting non-compliant vehicles in high-traffic areas.
These initiatives indicate that ULEZ may be the first of many Clean Air Zones to be introduced in urban centres nationwide.
Raising awareness
Public awareness and government engagement are crucial in tackling air pollution.
Organisations such as Asthma + Lung UK have established campaign networks in major UK cities to educate the public on the health impacts of air pollution and advocate for stronger clean air policies.
At an individual level, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) provides a low-emission zone forecast map , which serves as a valuable resource for vulnerable individuals.
By raising awareness and implementing targeted interventions, the UK can make significant strides in improving air quality and protecting public health.
EV-friendly cities
Dundee City Council’s Fraser Crichton shares his work to transform the council fleet to electric, as well as help make Dundee one of the UK’s leading EV-friendly cities
As corporate fleet manager for Dundee City Council, I have been at the forefront of Dundee’s transition to becoming one of the UK’s leading EV cities. With over two decades at Dundee City Council, starting as a transport officer, my commitment to transforming transportation began thirteen years ago with an air quality meeting that shed light onto Dundee’s severe air quality issues.
Critically, we learned that Dundee’s transportation system accounts for 35 per cent of Dundee’s carbon emissions. As Scotland’s fourth largest city, Dundee’s unique topography in the bowl of an eroded volcano traps pollutants, resulting in some of the most polluted streets in the country. This issue, along with the first delivery of Nissan Leafs, kickstarted Dundee’s mission for cleaner air and the transition from ICE to e-mobility.
Today, Dundee has one of the largest EV fleets of any authority in the UK, with 223 vehicles making up 30 per cent of our whole fleet. This is facilitated by an extensive network of electric vehicle charging hubs and infrastructure covering the city.
How did we get here?
Dundee began its electric journey with its own council fleet. Dundee added the first fully electric vehicles into our fleet in 2011, beginning with four Nissan Leafs - the first EV we had seen that could rival a diesel engine. It was a slow but steady uptake, and it took two to three years for us to have added 20-30 EVs into the council fleet.
Realising the council’s limits, we knew we had to explore other tactics in order to employ our strategy across the whole city. Inspired by a visit to Oslo, we began to shift our thinking to consider energy first and the vehicles second. We refocused on the concept of hub charging using renewable energy in order to electrify Dundee’s taxi fleet – one of the most significant contributors to air pollution in Dundee. Rather than forcing the taxis to go electric, we offered incentives. This included a £10 reduction
in the taxi test fee for EV vehicles and low tariffs. This has led to 35 per cent of taxis and private hire vehicles now being electric. In order to cater for long taxi journeys, we expanded regionally, putting charging infrastructure in hospitals and other authority buildings across Scotland. Through regular and open discussion with the taxi liaison committee, it was agreed that all new private hire vehicles in Dundee must be electric. Having a large, new sector of Dundee advocating for EVs was a significant stepping stone.
By early 2021, our council electric fleet consisted of over 100 cars, two minibuses,
a large mechanical street sweeper – and two 26-tonne RCVs, the first fully-electric bin lorries in Scotland (named ‘Bin Diesel and Leonardo Di Charge-io’). By 2030, all 36 bin lorries will be converted to electric, saving an estimated 720,000 kg of CO2.
The council’s all-electric fleet has now travelled over 5.6 million miles, saving an incredible 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Successfully on the road to electrifying the council fleet, we turned our attention to finding EV solutions for the wider city.
Making Dundee an EV-friendly city
We learned many valuable lessons in the thirteen years, which were key drivers in transforming Dundee into an EV-friendly city.
Dundee became one of the UK’s leading EV cities by developing a strategy that looked beyond the council to encompass businesses and residents city-wide. We took a holistic approach, partnering with industry leaders in both the public and private sector.
Our four innovative public charging hubs demonstrate successful partner collaborations.
By early 2021, our council electric fleet consisted of over 100 cars, two minibuses, a large mechanical street sweeper
At our Clepington Road hub, we collaborated with SWARCO, Connected Energy and Envevo to create a groundbreaking ‘second life’ battery system that captures excess solar and charges from the grid at off-peak times when tariffs are cheaper. We also partnered with Bluewater to provide ‘world-first’ rainwater harvesting technology, allowing EV drivers access to clean drinking water for free. In addition, we recently unveiled Europe’s first retractable chargers in Dundee, in partnership with Urban Fox. Their UE One auto retracts flush with the ground when not in use, ensuring pavements remain clear and reducing trip hazards.
Other private-public collaboration projects include providing charging points for Ember, the UK’s first all-electric inner-city bus service. E
A key aim for us was to ensure that Dundee’s EV charging infrastructure is inclusive for all
F This service provides the public with an option for green, peaceful travel and helps drive Dundee further towards an electric future.
Ensuring accessibility for all EV drivers
A key aim for us was to ensure that Dundee’s EV charging infrastructure is inclusive for all.
Vauxhall’s recent study revealed that just two per cent of on street chargers meet accessibility guidelines, a shocking statistic that highlights the extent of the issue the EV industry has with accessibility. Guided by the BSI PAS 1899:2022 standard for accessible charging infrastructure, Dundee had the opportunity to embed
accessibility into our design process. This standard - along with advice from charities and focus groups with disabled people themselves - directly informed the design of our Clepington Road hub, which we believe goes further than any other UK hub to ensure equitable access. Features include colour coding, longer cables on retention systems, unobstructed pathways and level access.
Our next accessible project is already underway - the Bell Street multi-storey car park. Set to be transformed into yet another pioneering green transport hub, it will feature a reduced number of parking spaces to ensure ample space around each car.
Preparing to make mistakes
One of the hardest but most beneficial lessons learned is that you don’t always get it right the first time. Over the course of Dundee’s electrification, every type of charger was
trialled and tested, leading to personal learning curves in understanding battery sizes and energy capacity. Mistakes are inevitable, but the lessons born from these errors are what’s ultimately going to lead you to long term success.
Effectively communicating with the public
Dundee’s transformation did not happen overnight. One of the main obstacles to Dundee’s EV transformation has been public perception. The dangers of invisible poisonous gases and the need to transition to low carbon vehicles can be difficult to communicate. We counter this by making sure that communities are up-to-date with the newest EV developments, to reassure them that they are a part of Dundee’s bigger vision. While technology and innovation obviously play a large role, getting communities onside has been one of the
Dundee City now has the best ratio of vehicles per plug-in charger in the whole of the UK
main drivers of Dundee becoming a leading EV city.
Dundee City now has the best ratio of vehicles per plug-in charger in the whole of the UK; one charger for every sixteen EVs. If we continue on this trajectory we will achieve our aim of becoming a fully electric city by 2035.
Although at its heart this project has been about electrifying the council fleet, we believe that the impact on the city has been much greater. We have become a pioneering force in the uptake of EVs within local governments and a role model for how to successfully transition into becoming an electric city.
