Purpose

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.

Content

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.

Reasons for the decision

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.

Alternative options considered

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.