Technology Policy

The Chancellor's Autumn Statement: Growth & Investment - How Will the Budget Deliver for Tech

The Chancellor's Autumn Statement is pivotal for the tech sector, with mixed expectations due to the current fiscal environment. Key points include:

• R&D Tax Credits: Reforms are anticipated to enhance the UK's R&D tax relief, crucial for tech growth.

• Business Tax Roadmap: Expected commitments will provide companies with planning certainty.

• Capital Investment: Changes to fiscal rules may allow increased investment, benefiting tech.

TechUK members hope for:

• Digital Adoption: A strategy to boost the economy by £232 billion through digital and AI adoption.

• Digital Infrastructure: Planning reforms to support AI investments across the UK.

• Apprenticeship Levy Reforms: A new Growth and Skills Levy to enhance digital skills and diversity.

These measures are essential for sustaining the UK's tech leadership.

Leading Voices 📣

Highlights from the LGA Conference: What’s Next for Local Government?

Pippa Barlow from Agilisys recently shared insights from the LGA Annual Conference in Harrogate, focusing on the critical issues currently facing Local Government. Here are three key takeaways:

• SEND System Reform: There’s an urgent need for change as demand on SEND services continues to rise, while resources struggle to keep pace.

• Supporting an Ageing Population: Nearly 63% of councils exceeded their Adult Social Care budgets last year. With demand growing, sustainable solutions are essential.

• The Role of Technology: Embracing tech innovations, Local Government is paving the way for more efficient and personalised services to tackle these challenges.

🔗 Check out Pippa’s full post for a deeper dive into the discussion on reshaping services for the future.

Live Event

Autumn Budget 2024 and AI - How Will Your Organisation Evolve?

With the UK public sector’s digital transformation well underway, the Autumn Budget 2024 brings a pivotal 6.5% funding increase for digital reforms, reinforcing the Government’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation (2022-2025). This budget marks a decisive moment for a digital-first public sector and raises the question: will your organisation be part of this transformation?

Agilisys is hosting The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges on 25th November 2024 - a must-attend live broadcast for public sector professionals who want to stay ahead of emerging changes and opportunities.

Our panel of specialists will explore real-world AI applications for addressing some of the public sector’s greatest challenges, from budget constraints and outdated systems to increasing demand for efficiency. You’ll gain actionable strategies to implement AI solutions that drive immediate impact.

What you’ll gain:

• TL;DR Summary for Your Team: Receive a concise summary of key discussion points, perfect for sharing.

• Exclusive Early Access: Get early access to the video recording and content pieces generated from the event.

• Connections with Experts: Engage with AI leaders, digital transformation experts, and public sector innovators.

Be part of the transformation.

International Trade

Lord Mayor of Leeds to Open Commonwealth Trade and Investment Conference

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, will inaugurate a significant Commonwealth trade and investment conference in Leeds. Organised by Womble Bond Dickinson and co-hosted by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the event will feature speakers like Megan Wood, Dr Olushola Kolawole, and Zahid Jatoi. The conference aims to enhance UK-Commonwealth commercial links, reflecting on the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 outcomes.

The UK exports £83 billion to Commonwealth markets annually, with West Yorkshire poised to benefit from increased trade. The conference will focus on boosting West Yorkshire-Commonwealth trade, highlighting synergies in culture, education, and diasporic communities. Leeds' diverse industries, particularly in professional services, manufacturing, and technology, stand to gain significantly.

Infrastructure

Lord Banner KC Review Proposes Roadmap to Speed Up Delivery of National Infrastructure

Lord Charles Banner KC's review proposes ten recommendations to expedite Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the UK. These include streamlining judicial reviews and improving data publication on case progress. The aim is to reduce delays and costs associated with legal challenges, thereby accelerating economic growth.

The government will review these recommendations and seek public input through a call for evidence. The focus is on balancing the need for infrastructure with public rights to challenge decisions. The review aligns with broader government efforts to enhance the planning system, including changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Government Policy

Government Set to Keep Cap on Officials Homeworking

The Cabinet Office has confirmed the continuation of the policy requiring civil servants to work in the office at least 60% of the time, despite previous criticism from unions. This decision aligns with the belief that face-to-face interaction remains beneficial for the civil service's effectiveness.

Although the Starmer government initially suggested a more flexible approach, the current stance maintains the previous administration's policy. The Cabinet Office emphasises that this approach is consistent with other large employers and aims to balance hybrid working benefits with in-office collaboration.

Occupancy data for departmental HQs will now be published quarterly, a shift from the previous weekly updates, to reduce costs and maintain transparency. This change reflects a strategic move to manage resources effectively while still providing necessary insights into office space utilisation.