The UK Government, through the Department for Business and Trade, has published its long-term Smart Data Strategy Smart Data 2035”. This sets out a roadmap to expand regulated data-sharing schemes across the economy, building on the success of Open Banking. This briefing summarises what the strategy is, what is changing, and what it means for local authorities.

The UK Government, through Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and UK Research and Innovation, has launched a new Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) R&D programme.

The UK Government has published its UK Compute Roadmap, setting out how it will scale national compute capacity to support AI, research and economic growth. Alongside this, recent announcements on AI Growth Zones and fusion investment reinforce a broader shift: compute, energy and digital infrastructure are now being treated as a single, interdependent system.

Mobile World Congress 2026 reinforced that the telecoms industry is entering a new phase. The focus is shifting away from deploying connectivity infrastructure toward extracting economic value from networks through real-world applications.

The UK Government has renewed its regulatory steer to Ofcom, prioritizing 5G evolution, infrastructure competition, and resilience. This briefing note breaks down the five key priorities and what they mean practically for Local Authorities and Network Operators.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has launched a Mobile Market Review – Call for Evidence to assess whether the UK mobile market is structured to deliver sustainable investment, competition and innovation over the next decade.

Budget 2025 did not announce new standalone digital funds, but it fundamentally resets the environment for how local authorities should think about digital infrastructure, AI readiness, planning, and economic transformation. The clear message is: 

The Scottish Government has published its refreshed Digital Strategy for Scotland: Our Vision (2025), setting out a clear ambition for digital to connect people to opportunities, drive economic growth, and deliver improved public services. 

The UK Government has announced a new £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) to help councils, combined authorities, and local partners turn innovation into local jobs and growth.

The Scottish Government’s CivTech 11 Challenge 9 invites innovative solutions to help people overcome barriers to accessing vital online services. Despite investment in digital connectivity and devices, many citizens still face non-technical obstacles such as low confidence, limited skills, accessibility issues, or lack of trust. 

The UK is entering a new phase of tech investment, with GBP 150bn in US private funding confirmed. The North East has been named one of the first AI Growth Zones, anchored by Blackstone and global tech leaders. With infrastructure, skills, and policy aligned, the initiative could create 5,000+ jobs and establish the region as a leading European data centre hub, showcasing the power of anchor-led investment strategies.

Ofcom’s 2025 consultation on releasing mmWave spectrum marks a pivotal step in the UK’s digital future. Unlocking the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands will enable ultra-fast, high-capacity 5G, laying foundations for 6G. From smart cities and stadiums to transport hubs, mmWave can transform connectivity. But success depends on real demand and strong business cases—without them, small-cell investment will stall.

DSIT has launched a consultation on updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, addressing new cyber threats, emerging technologies like 5G and IoT, and aligning with revised NCSC standards. Proposed changes include stronger risk-based approaches, safeguards against SIM-swap fraud, and tougher API security. These updates will impact local authorities, operators, and investors, raising the bar for compliance across the UK's digital infrastructure landscape.

The Green Book is HM Treasury’s guide for appraising public spending, setting the standard for how councils secure funding. A 2025 review found no systemic bias but noted complexity and inconsistent use created barriers for less-resourced areas. Key reforms include simpler guidance, better support, and a shift to place-based investment—moving from standalone projects to integrated plans that unlock growth, skills, health, and inclusion across regions.

The UK Government’s £9.5M Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund supports councils, charities, and community groups to tackle digital exclusion. Grants fund projects like tech skills workshops, device donation schemes, and innovative local solutions. By improving access to devices, digital skills, and online services, the fund helps communities save money, boost employability, and reduce inequality while promoting scalable, evidence-based initiatives for lasting social impact.

The Shared Rural Network (SRN) has hit its UK-wide 4G target early. Now, it’s tackling ‘total not-spots’—areas with zero mobile coverage—focusing on rural and remote parts of the UK. The next phase targets key walking routes, tourism hubs, and isolated communities using shared, low-impact masts. Councils, landowners, and digital leaders should engage now to shape rollout plans, improve emergency and economic connectivity, and future-proof local infrastructure.

The June 2025 Spending Review outlines key digital and infrastructure priorities, including £1.9bn for gigabit broadband rollout, £500m to boost public sector productivity, and investment in AI, digital health, and skills. While direct local funding is limited, the review signals strong national backing for digital transformation. Councils should align strategies to seize future funding and innovation opportunities.

Emran Mian has been appointed Permanent Secretary at DSIT, succeeding Sarah Munby. His prior role as Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms ensures continuity in AI, telecoms, fibre, and compute. This signals strong government commitment to digital infrastructure and presents opportunities for local councils to align with central strategy.

The UK’s Industrial Strategy focuses on AI, semiconductors, telecoms, cloud, and data infrastructure to drive national competitiveness. Fibre, 5G, and data centres are key to economic security and industrial leadership. Local Authorities can align regional strategies with national priorities, while Investors and Operators are encouraged to scale investments. Intelligens Consulting helps with digital strategy alignment, infrastructure planning, and securing funding.

The UK Government’s AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) initiative aims to accelerate AI infrastructure across the country by supporting the development of data centres and innovation clusters outside London and the South East. AIGZs will unlock investment, create high-quality jobs, and drive regional growth. Intelligens Consulting can help design proposals, assess sites, and build partnerships to secure funding and deliver impactful AI projects.

The UK Government, through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has launched four new funding streams to accelerate