Digital Strategy 2024-2027

Foreword from the Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce

I am delighted to present the new Digital Strategy for Carmarthenshire 2024 – 2027.

This Strategy charts our ongoing course towards a digitally empowered future for our residents, communities, public services, businesses, and economy. We envisage a future where innovation, accessibility, and sustainability converge to enhance the quality of life for all. At the core of our strategy is the unwavering focus on our residents, ensuring that they are not only recipients of quality public services but active participants in shaping a digital landscape that meets their evolving needs.

Communities lie at the heart of Carmarthenshire, and this Strategy seeks to knit them together through connectivity and collaboration. By fostering digital inclusion, we aim to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every community, regardless of location, can harness the benefits of the digital age.

This strategy is a testament to our commitment to leaving no one behind and building a connected county where information flows seamlessly. Our public services are crucial to community wellbeing. This Strategy strives to make these services more efficient, responsive, and accessible. Through smart use of digital, data and technology, we aim to continue streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy, and creating a public sector that is agile and responsive to the needs of residents.

Carmarthenshire is home to a vibrant business community, and our Strategy will help to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. By continuing to embrace digital, data and technology, we help empower our businesses to compete, fostering an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive, and economic prosperity is shared by all.

As stewards of our environment, we cannot ignore the imperative of achieving a net-zero future. Our Digital Strategy aligns with this commitment by leveraging technology to reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices.

Digital initiatives will be designed with inclusivity in mind, helping to ensure that our identity, heritage, and language remain vibrant and integral to our modern way of life. This Digital Strategy is a testament to our collective vision for a future where digital, data, and technology serves as a force for good, enriching the lives of our residents, strengthening our communities, and propelling our economy forward.

Together, let us continue to embrace the opportunities that the digital age presents, making Carmarthenshire a shining example of a digitally enabled and sustainable community for generations to come.

Cllr. Philip Hughes
Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce

Foreword from the Chief Executive of the Council Wendy Walters

Welcome to Carmarthenshire County Council’s Digital Strategy 2024 – 2027.

In the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, the pursuit of progress and innovation is not just a choice but a necessity. In a world where digital, data and technology continue to redefine the way we live, work, and interact, our commitment to modernisation has never been more important.

This strategy demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing public services, improving the wellbeing of our residents, fostering a conducive environment for businesses, and invigorating the local economy. At the helm of this work, I am proud to lead a forwardthinking team that understands the imperative to embrace innovation for the betterment of our County.

Continuing to modernise our services is not simply about adopting the latest technologies but fundamentally evolving and changing the way we serve our residents and businesses. By leveraging digital, data and technology, we aim to make public services more accessible, efficient, and tailored to the evolving needs of our customers.

This strategy underlines our commitment to providing a seamless and user-centric experience for all. Our residents are at the heart of this change. We recognise that digital, data and technology can be powerful tools in ensuring they have access to the support and services they need.

This strategy outlines our plans to harness the potential of digital advancements to enhance the user experience for our residents. Participation and involvement of our communities in our service design and delivery will provide truly sustainable transformation.

We will transform and integrate service delivery from end to end through the entire service journey. In acknowledging the relationship between local businesses and our communities, this strategy places a strong emphasis on creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity. By fostering innovation, supporting growth & entrepreneurship, and streamlining processes, we aspire to be a catalyst for economic development in Carmarthenshire.

Together, we will build a digital foundation that not only meets the demands of the present but also paves the way for a sustainable future. The Digital Strategy will be reviewed annually, and we will report our progress in our Annual Report.

We need to continue to embrace the potential of the digital era to build a smarter, more connected, and resilient Carmarthenshire for future generations.

Wendy Walters
Chief Executive