Decision details

To request authority to apply for external grant funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for a project called Brent Digital Futures and Social Value Best Practices.

That the Director Communications, Insight and Innovation, having consulted with the Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power:

i)               Approves the submission of two applications for grant funding for Brent Digital Futures and Social Value Best Practices projects.

ii)              Notes the participation of the Council in the consortium application submitted by the London Borough of Ealing.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First Steps in February 2025. It highlights the need for locally delivered highly tailored and targeted interventions that meet the needs of digitally excluded people. It commits to building on the strength of existing local support to put the focus back where it is needed: in our communities.

One of the actions from the Digital Inclusion Action Plan that will be delivered is the £9.5m Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. £7.242m will support digital inclusion projects in England, with proportionate funding going to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The objectives of the Fund are to support innovative interventions to produce new knowledge on ‘what works’, building the evidence base on effective digital inclusion interventions. It is also designed to support best practice with the ambition to scale and replicate successful activities across England to increase digital participation.

Officers have considered whether the Brent Digital Futures and Social Value Best Practices project can be provided by the council itself but have concluded that the project can only be realised with the addition of external grant funding.

None.