The launch of GDS Local – A new chapter for public service transformation
On 22 November 2025, GDS Local went live, a new specialist unit in the Government Digital Service (GDS), that sits within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
GDS Local will focus on 3 core areas:
- Making GDS products available: working with councils so that residents could eventually use GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK App to access both national and local services through a single account.
- Developing a strategic vision for local government: Working with the MHCLG, the LGA, and local government practitioners to co-create a vision for local government technology that includes shared products and components and reforming how councils buy technology.
- Unlocking data potential: supporting councils to share anonymised data on issues like homelessness trends or service demand through the Government Digital and Data Hub, facilitating sector-wide learning and the ability to scale innovations that work – whilst maintaining strict privacy protections.
In a blog announcing the launch, Liz Adams, Service Owner, GDS Local, GDS and Theo Blackwell, Local Government Champion, GDS Local, GDS, set out that GDS Local will be the strategic link between local government and the digital centre, working with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) - building on work of the Local Digital team and the new Artificial Intelligence Directorate - and the Local Government Association (LGA) to give local government teams the support they need.
It is about strengthening digital collaboration and skills and in this spirit, the UK government is also rolling out the Government Digital and Data Hub. This is a new online platform where public sector digital and data professionals from across central and local government, NHS and other public bodies can learn, connect and share expertise in one place.
techUK welcomes the launch of GDS Local and this new chapter for a more collegiate approach to public service transformation. Building on the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government strategy ambition for better integrated services, it is great to see councils finally receive the recognition they deserve as they’re at the heart of delivering citizen-centric services and now also the support needed to unlock the full potential of digital, data and innovation to deliver better, faster and more responsive services for their residents.
In the spirit of greater digital collaboration and knowledge sharing, this must include industry too. techUK looks forward to continuing to work with the GDS Local team to support its mission in developing a strategic vision for local government and creating a level playing field.
On the 13 January, techUK and GDS Local will be hosting a tech stack workshop to explore the idea of shared technical architecture model for local government. It will be a good opportunity for suppliers to share feedback with GDS Local to inform future thinking.
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
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Luke Newcombe
Luke Newcombe
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
- Email:
- [email protected]
techUK - Transforming Public Services
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