Adopting a user-centred design approach to our internal content landscape

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Design, Tools and processes, Ways of working
a person seen from the side, working on a laptop in an office

The Content Improvement team in MHCLG focuses on making sure internal content across our platforms is accessible and user-friendly, and meets the needs of all colleagues. By treating content as critical infrastructure rather than just a communications tool, we’re helping our colleagues, and the AI tools they use, work more efficiently.

Using AI to support faster local plan consultation analysis 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Data, Digital Planning, PropTech
A planning officer sitting at a desk with the PlanAI tool displayed on the computer screen in front of her.

AI is helping planning teams cut through the time-consuming work of consultation analysis. A pilot has been extended with 5 more planning authorities, delivering efficiency gains and freeing officers to focus on judgement and engagement. But success depends on strong governance, good data structure and proper quality assurance.

Naming a service: how we chose a name for Share Homes for Ukraine data

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Design, Homes for Ukraine
Share Homes for Ukraine data homepage screenshot

How do you choose a clear, accessible name for a new service? Find out how the Homes for Ukraine Digital team found a user-centred name that would work long term for its new system for managing Homes for Ukraine data.

Building Local Transcribe for local government

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Local AI
A screenshot of the Local Transcribe tool on a laptop

Local Transcribe is a new AI-powered tool designed to reduce the administrative burden on frontline staff by capturing conversations, transcribing them and producing draft case notes for review. Built by Local AI in partnership with local government, it aims to save time, improve productivity and give officers more time to focus on supporting residents directly.

From pixels to policy: The potential of geospatial embeddings for MHCLG

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation
A series of geospatial embedding images

Geospatial Foundation Models and their embeddings have emerged as one of the most exciting developments in AI. In this post, the AI Lab in MHCLG introduces the concept of image embeddings and their potential value for a central government department like MHCLG.

From engagement to delivery: supporting responsible AI adoption in councils

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Local AI
a title card that says 'Building responsible AI practices'

The Local AI programme in MHCLG is working with councils and the Local Government Association to support responsible AI adoption in local government. Drawing on insights from recent council drop-in sessions, this blog post shares what we heard and how we’re turning our learnings into practical support for the sector.

Shaping the future of open data: the new Open Data Communities service

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Data
The homepage of the Open Data Communities platform shown on a laptop screen

Open data plays a vital role in supporting transparency, accountability and innovation across the public sector. Find out about the recent changes we have made to our Open Data Communities platform, which helps inform better decision-making, support the development of new services and helps users better understand their areas.

Cutting admin, not corners: AI in temporary accommodation

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Local AI
a housing estate

Local AI has been working with councils to explore how AI could reduce repetitive tasks such as drafting personalised housing plans, helping officers spend more time on prevention, casework and supporting local people. The team has developed an AI case workspace proof of concept to test how this could be done in practice.

Tackling planning delays: PropTech Innovation Fund Round 6 pilots now underway

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Artificial Intelligence, Data, Digital Planning, PropTech
Two surveyors in high visibility jackets, overseeing a housing construction site

11 consortiums of technology companies, local planning and combined authorities have been selected for Round 6 of the Digital Planning Programme’s PropTech Innovation Fund, to pilot digital solutions targeting blockers to housing delivery.

Renters’ Rights Act: how content design and policy collaborated to deliver the guidance

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Design, Ways of working
Screenshot of the Renters Rights Act overview for tenants page on GOV.UK

The Renters’ Right Act changed the law for 11 million tenants who live in private properties in England and the 2.3 million landlords who rent them out. Find out how content design and policy teams worked together to help them prepare for the changes, and what the teams learnt on the journey.