Beyond compliance: unlocking the strategic value of council data

Guest blog by Civica

Civica

Civica is a global GovTech champion focused on developing critical cloud-based software and services that are integral to the everyday lives of citizens around the world. www.civica.com

Turning insights into action for smarter local government

In today’s increasingly complex local government landscape, data is no longer just a record of past activities. It is a strategic asset that can drive smarter decisions, better services and improved outcomes for citizens. Yet, for many councils, data remains underutilised, often treated as a compliance requirement rather than a tool for meaningful change. The question is: what might councils achieve if they saw data not as an obligation, but as an opportunity and what can be learned from those already doing it?

Civica, UK’s leading provider of public sector software, and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) recently hosted a roundtable bringing together senior finance leaders and local authority professionals from across England to explore how councils can unlock the full value of their data. The discussion built on insights from The Future of Local Government 2025 report, which found that only 4% of councils rate their data-driven decision making as excellent.

Making data a strategic priority

A recurring theme was the critical role of leadership. Councils can only transform data into a strategic asset when both management and elected members are fully engaged. Leadership buy-in ensures that data strategy is not seen as an abstract technical exercise, but as a driver of decisions that shape services and communities. Small, manageable steps toward a longer-term vision, rather than sweeping digital transformation initiatives, can make data more accessible and actionable.

Participants also highlighted the tension between short-term operational pressures and the need for long-term investment. The real test is whether councils are willing to use data to see what’s coming and act before challenges like rising social care costs become crises. Civica’s work with authorities shows that those who anticipate trends early are better placed to make sustainable financial and service decisions.

Quality, governance and collaboration

High-quality, timely data is a baseline requirement. But perfection is neither attainable nor desirable. As one participant put it, “Getting the right decision should be the priority rather than perfect quality data.” Strong governance frameworks, clear guidance and standardised data-sharing agreements allow councils to use data confidently while remaining compliant with legislation.

Collaboration emerged as another key enabler. Mapping resident journeys across services, such as housing and social care, helps break down silos and ensures that data insights are connected to meaningful outcomes. Automation, AI and digital transformation are valuable tools, but their true power comes when they reimagine services, not simply digitise existing processes.

Building trust and engagement

Trust, both internal and external, is central to unlocking data value. Councils must be transparent about how data is collected, processed and shared. Clear communication and citizen education help rebuild public confidence and foster innovative, data-driven approaches across teams.

Councils can begin by assessing their data maturity, identifying gaps and prioritising investments. Civica offers consultancy services to support this journey, helping authorities embed good data practices and turn insights into action.

Data is no longer a compliance requirement. It is a strategic enabler. Councils that embrace strong leadership, governance and a culture of collaboration can harness their data to drive decisions, improve services and deliver real change for citizens. The councils that succeed will be the ones willing to ask themselves the hard questions: Are we really making the most of our data? What decisions could we take differently if we trusted it more? And what future are we shaping by the way we use it today? Civica has seen first-hand that the answers exist — and the difference they make is transformative.

About Civica

Civica is a global GovTech champion focused on developing critical cloud-based software and services that are integral to the everyday lives of citizens around the world. From central and local government to education, people workforce management, health and care, more than 6,000 customers trust and partner with Civica, using our software to deliver critical services to more than 100 million citizens. With operations in seven countries across North America, Europe and APAC and more than 20 years of experience, we’re passionate about supporting the needs of citizens and those that serve them every day. Find out more: www.civica.com

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