Measuring the impact of the MHCLG Local Digital programme

Why we've commissioned an evaluation of the Local Digital programme

We commissioned an independent evaluation of the Local Digital programme to understand the challenges councils face in digital and cyber, and to measure it’s impact.

The evaluation was delivered between May 2023 and May 2025 by a consortium led by PUBLIC, with Daintta and the Society of Innovation, Technology and Modernisation (Socitm).

The evaluation covered specific programme workstreams from 2018/19 to 2024/25. It explored how the programme was delivered, the impact it had, and whether it offered value for money. The final report is now published.

Purpose of the evaluation

The evaluation:

demonstrated the impact of digital and cyber projects in councils
provided a snapshot of councils’ digital and cyber maturity
assessed whether the programme supported councils to become more modern and resilient
informed future funding, support and interventions
provided support to scale effective approaches

It assessed the programme, not individual council performance.

Scope

The evaluation considered:

the overall impact of the programme on council systems
impacts on councils that received funding or support
impacts on staff within those councils

Evidence and engagement

The evaluation drew on engagement with councils to understand their digital and cyber position, the challenges they face, and what has and has not worked.

A survey of 90 councils in Spring 2023 provided evidence on digital and cyber readiness and informed the evaluation approach.

What we learned

The findings provided a clearer picture of what has worked well and where intended impacts were not achieved. These insights have informed changes to the Local Digital programme’s approach.

The evaluation also strengthened understanding of where central government can offer the most effective support, particularly as councils plan future services, digital foundations, and transition towards new local government structures.

Timeline

March 2023

MHCLG commissioned an independent evaluation of the Local Digital programme.

Mid–2023

Evidence gathering began, including a survey of councils and the establishment of an Expert Advisory Group.

Late 2023

Initial findings were shared through a blog and webinar.

Early 2024

The evaluation approach was refined and published in a scoping study.

Mid 2024

Interim process evaluation work and supporting analysis, including a cyber risk model, were developed.

June 2026

The final evaluation report was published.