Modernise LOCAL GOVERNMENT with low-code apps, seamless integrations and citizen-focused workflows.
Local governments face the dual pressure of delivering better citizen services with tight budgets and often outdated systems. Council leaders and IT managers know they must modernise – in fact, a recent survey found 51% of councils prioritise modernising outdated systems as their top digital goal, even above enhancing online citizen experience. Yet they also report major barriers, with 57% of councils facing financial constraints and 43% struggling with legacy system integration challenges. Digiovations understands this reality. Our Local Government digital solutions are designed to help councils innovate quickly and cost-effectively, bridging old and new technologies to meet rising resident expectations without massive upheaval.
Integration with Legacy Systems
Digiovations excels at integration – a crucial need for modern governament tech. We know councils can’t just throw out legacy systems like a revenues database or an old CRM containing all resident records. So any new app we deliver is designed to connect to those systems. This way, new solutions “talk” to old ones, avoiding duplicate data entry and keeping your master records up-to-date across systems. We essentially wrap and extend your legacy, allowing modernisation “at the edges” (facing the citizen) while maintaining integrity at the core
Using Power Pages portals with custom made connectors or custom APIs, we ensure, for instance, that a new pubic parking permit solution writes into your existing permit database, or the benefits application pulls data from your benefits system to pre-fill what you already know.
Process Automation
Just like in other sectors, we find many local government processes can be automated or streamlined. These automations drastically reduces processing time (we can often cut processes from weeks to days or hours). We can automate things like sending reminders for council tax payments, updating multiple systems when a resident reports a change of address, or notifying relevant departments when a new business registers (so Economic Development, Waste, etc., all get the memo).
For example, using Power Automate, when a resident submits that permit application, an automated workflow can verify the data, cross-check it against council records, trigger an inspection if needed, and even draft the permit approval email – all before a staff member ever touches it. Officers then just review and click approve.
Low CODE APPLICATION MODERNISATION
Council workers have very large workloads, we leverage Microsoft’s Power Platform and other low-code tools to quickly build user-friendly applications that digitise council services. Think of a simple app that lets an officer file a community report from their phone after visiting a community meeting. These tools increase real-time information capture and reduce end-of-shift paperwork piles. We also ensure offline capability when needed (for situations where connectivity is poor) so data can sync later – critical for reliability in the field.
For example, using Power Apps to replace a cumbersome paper form process: imagine a modern solution to enable workers to manage parking permits or council tax support requests. This app can guide the user, collect all necessary info (including document uploads, e-signatures), and then route the submission to council officers digitally. No more lost paperwork – and residents get a confirmation and updates electronically.
24/7 Digital CITIZEN Self-Service
To meet ever increasing citizen expectations and needs for 24/7 digital capabilities we can help you stand up self-service portals and chatbots. Residents can interact with the council on their own schedule – apply for services, check status of requests, pay fees, or find information through AI-assisted agents and FAQs.
For example, a Copilot Studio agent could handle common queries like “How do I report fly-tipping?” and directly create a service request ticket for cleanup, without any staff intervention. These digital channels increase convenience and reduce the load on call centres and front desks.
Faster Service Delivery
Digital workflows dramatically cut waiting times. Permits, licenses, and approvals are processed and issued faster, meaning residents and businesses get what they need sooner. This can improve compliance with statutory deadlines (for example, FOI requests resolved within the legal timeframe) and boost citizen satisfaction.
Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings
When staff spend less time on data entry and chasing paperwork, councils save money. Freed-up staff time can be redirected to complex cases or strategic initiatives. Some councils even manage to avoid filling vacant admin positions because automation covers the work – a direct saving.
24/7 Access for Residents
Citizens can engage with council services anytime, not just 9-5. This improves inclusivity (e.g., a working parent can apply for a service at 10pm after putting the kids to bed). It also reduces backlogs since requests come in continuously and get queued for processing immediately, often with some pre-processing by the system.
Data-Driven Decisions
With integrated systems, councils can break down data silos. For instance, by connecting social services and housing systems, you might get a holistic view of vulnerable residents to coordinate better support – proactively improving outcomes. Additionally, with better data flow, you can generate richer reports to inform policy and resource allocation (like identifying which services are most used online vs. in person).
Enhanced Transparency and Trust
Digital systems can provide status updates and feedback loops. A resident who submits a request can get an automated update (“Your application is received and under review” or “Your issue has been resolved”). This transparency builds trust and reduces the need for citizens to call in to check status. Moreover, being visibly modern (offering easy online services) can improve the public’s perception of council competence.
Compliance and Accessibility
All our solutions for local government adhere to the UK Government Digital Service (GDS) guidelines. That means they are built accessible to people with disabilities (meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards), written in plain language, and tested for user-friendliness. We also ensure data protection compliance – for instance, making sure personal data collected in a new app is properly consented and stored in line with GDPR. By design, our systems include audit logs and security controls (like role-based access) so you can easily demonstrate compliance during audits or to satisfy public concerns.
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