Local Government
We work with over 300 Councils across the UK, providing and supporting the technology to enable critical Local Government services.
Why Softcat for Local Government?
Softcat enable Local Government to innovate through modern cloud and hybrid architectures, maintain stability with resilient infrastructure and streamlined IT operations, and optimise budgets via efficient procurement routes, scalable platforms and cost‑effective technology integration.
Local authorities are navigating one of the most challenging periods in recent memory. Budgets are stretched. Demand for services is rising and becoming more complex. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) means significant programmes of change for many Council areas.
We work alongside our customers to address these realities in partnership, focusing on outcomes, delivering proportionate solutions to meet the requirements of Councils and the people they serve.
I see Softcat as an extension of the Council’s team, at a time when the sector needs strategic partners more than ever. I spent a number of years as a Chief Officer within Local Government. Bringing that experience into Softcat and working alongside a dedicated Local Gov team here means we’re perfectly placed to support Councils. This means working through challenges like reducing costs, reducing risk, increasing resilience and providing the foundations for modern, user-centred digital services.
Paul Fleming
Chief Strategist - Public Sector & Advisory Services, Softcat
We understand your challenges
Through regular conversations with council IT leaders and our annual Customer Experience Survey of 92 councils, six priorities consistently emerge. These shape how we approach every engagement.
Transformation and Innovation
Innovation can drive improved outcomes. Councils need to modernise services while managing risk. We help you identify opportunities, pilot new approaches, and scale what works. From AI-powered contact centres to back-office automation, practical innovation that delivers measurable returns.
Cost Optimisation
Budget pressures demand informed investment. We help councils identify savings, consolidate contracts, and modernise infrastructure to reduce operational costs while maintaining service quality.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Reorganisation brings practical challenges and a need to think about technology in new ways. New organisational footprints require technology that’s scalable, agile and proportionate. From target operating models, commercial approaches, architectural design, implementation, and road mapping Softcat can help Council’s navigate through significant change as a strategic partner.
Secure and Resilient Solutions
Councils host and process critical data, including sensitive and personal data. Trust and reputation are paramount in the stewardship of such data. We strengthen defences with Zero Trust approaches, robust security frameworks, and services including 24/7 monitoring to safeguard services and information. We provide solutions that enable the resilience of critical local infrastructure.
Citizen Experience
Residents want services that simply work. Available, accessible, intuitive, timely. We help councils deliver digital experiences that meet expectations and reduce demand on busy council officers and teams.
Workforce Enablement
Council officers need the right tools, at the right place, modern, reliable devices. Intuitive systems. Skills development. We equip teams to work effectively, wherever they are, and build digital confidence across the organisation.
How we help
Strategy comes first. Our advisory team, led by former local government technology directors, helps shape technology and digital roadmaps that align with your priorities. We understand your constraints because we’ve lived them.
The right technology
Vendor independence means honest recommendations. We provide over 95% of all IT solutions in the market, so advice is based on what we know will work for you.
Ongoing partnership
Beyond the initial project. Customer success managers. Support and managed services. Regular reviews. We stay invested in outcomes, not just transactions. Our commitment is for the long-term commitment to your success.
Invested in your communities
Technology decisions affect the communities councils serve. We take that responsibility seriously. Our social value commitments go beyond words on a bid. We run programmes to help parents return to work, offenders gain valuable experience and care leavers to be supported. We support digital skills development in schools and community groups. We create local employment opportunities and apprenticeships. We contribute to environmental sustainability targets. When you work with Softcat, the benefits reach the people you serve.
Solutions across every technology area
Whatever the technology challenge, we have specialists who understand it. Each team brings deep expertise, connecting solutions to the outcomes that matter to your council and the communities you serve.
Invested in your region
With 11 offices across the UK and Ireland, we have teams where you are. From Glasgow to the South Coast, Newcastle to Bristol, our regional presence means local knowledge and accessible support. We employ staff in your communities, contribute to local economies, and understand the distinct challenges facing councils in different parts of the country.
Councils we work with
"Softcat are easy to work with, strive to understand our precise needs and provided ongoing support throughout the engagement. They get the point across and understand our business reality."
- Mark O’Toole - Head of Information Services, WCCC
