Digital Support Funding for Local Planning Authorities in England

Local planning authorities can seek £50,000 and practical support to improve digital planning services

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is providing support to local planning authorities (LPAs) in England through the Digital Planning Improvement Fund. The scheme is intended to help authorities strengthen planning data, improve digital capabilities and prepare to use digital tools, including artificial intelligence.

Each successful authority will receive £50,000 alongside practical support. The assistance is designed to help LPAs assess their current digital planning capabilities, identify priorities and put agreed improvements into practice.

Participating authorities will complete a Digital Planning Maturity Assessment. This will examine how digital tools, data and working practices currently support their planning services. They will then develop an action plan and implement activities identified through the assessment.

The allocation can also support staff training and shared learning. Authorities may use it to identify, improve, publish and maintain planning datasets. Other eligible activities include participating in Open Digital Planning and sharing experience with other local authorities.

The support is intended to establish stronger foundations for the adoption and effective use of digital services. LPAs are expected to consider both their existing capabilities and the practical changes needed to improve how planning information and systems are managed.

Eligible expenditure includes the completion of the maturity assessment, preparation of a digital planning action plan and delivery of improvements set out in that plan. Relevant staff development, data work and participation in collaborative learning activities are also covered.