Council Platform vs Govstack CMS

Council Platform is a web service for running local government CMS websites. Its drag-and-drop editor lets teams create complex pages without developer time, with a customisable front end based on the GOV.UK Design System. Features include service directories, news, event calendars, global search, CRM functions, forms, and editorial workflows. The platform supports manual and machine translation for bilingual sites, plus multi-site publishing and document management. The maker describes sites as accessible from the outset and says subscribers receive free accessibility audit scans. Listed integrations include Bartec, ModernGov, Elgin Roadworks, Council Advertising Network, Microsoft Azure Chatbots, Google Analytics, SiteImprove, and ReciteMe. Security provisions include two-factor authentication, password complexity requirements, and automatic logout. Subscriptions include production and test hosting, support, documentation, uptime monitoring, security updates, and a 99.9% uptime SLA. Pricing is based on monthly page views: the plan up to 5,000 page views costs £200 monthly licence fee (ex VAT), while the 5,001–15,000 tier costs £400 monthly licence fee (ex VAT). Plans above 100,000 monthly page views add features including microsites, cookie-less analytics, accessibility auditing, and PDF conversion.

Govstack CMS is a web content management system designed for public sector websites. Teams can create and edit dynamic pages in a Word-like editor, assign creators, editors and approvers in workflows, and schedule content. Page layouts, backgrounds, colors, fonts and CSS are customizable, while sections and subpages can be arranged into public navigation. Publishing tools cover news, alerts, pop-ups and real-time notifications; uploads include images, PDFs, vector files and videos. The CMS supports configurable navigation and search, multilingual publishing, document management and multiple sites. Listed widgets connect services including ACTIVENet Activities, PowerBI, SmartRecruiters listings, Trumba event feeds, Edsby News & Events and ApplyToEducation job feeds. Add-ons include Business Directory and Media Manager. A password-protected area can be used for internal or confidential information. Govstack says the service is hosted in Microsoft Azure, maintains documented security procedures and continuous vulnerability management, and has a 99.95% availability guarantee with 24/7/365 monitoring. Pricing is on request.