Written statement: The integration of Building Digital UK into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - Oct 13

Minister of State for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray): Today I am announcing that Building Digital UK (BDUK) will be integrated into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) from 1 November 2025. BDUK is currently an executive agency of the department and will become a directorate within the Digital Technologies and Infrastructure group.

This move comes following the Cabinet Office's review into Arm's Length Bodies launched in April. The decision continues DSIT's growth into the UK Government's department of digital delivery, helping to accelerate innovation and drive economic growth across the country. It builds on the integration of other digital delivery bodies, including the Government Digital Service (GDS) and the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) into DSIT.

BDUK will continue to lead the delivery of the government's vital digital infrastructure programmes, Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network. These programmes remain central to the Government's Plan for Change and 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, supported by £1.9bn of funding announced in the Spending Review.

Thanks to BDUK's work, we have already achieved 85% gigabit broadband coverage across the UK, and 95% 4G coverage, meeting both these targets a year ahead of schedule.

Integrating BDUK into DSIT will ensure that its operational expertise is embedded at the heart of Government, enabling more effective delivery of digital infrastructure and supporting our wider ambition to accelerate innovation and drive economic growth across the UK.

We will work closely with staff, unions and stakeholders to manage the integration over the coming months.