Digital
Digital transformation must be based on a clear strategy for change
David Newell says if the UK, and health and care services across the world, fail to adopt new technology-enabled models of care provision, current services will become even more unaffordable and unsustainable
Wakefield orders new IT following 'serious problems'
Wakefield Council has ordered the immediate procurement of a new IT system following criticism from a watchdog.
Transformation ‘largely left to smoulder on the back burner’
Five years ago the Service Transformation Challenge Panel was launched with the aim of delivering better outcomes in local public services. But a new report notes little progress since the UK EU membership referendum.
Giving the sector a voice on AI
Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life Lord Jonathan Evans says Artificial Intelligence can revolutionise local government – but it must do so in line with standards that the public expect.
Driving ahead with digitisation
A digital transformation programme has led to identified savings of more than £580,000 over 10 years at Craven DC, says Paul Shevlin.
How AI is already transforming the workplace
Andrew Grant explains how AI is only a part of Aylesbury Vale DC's 'aggressive digital transformation approach', and he says it needs to be embraced by 'any organisation calling itself modern or relevant.
Improvement and innovation at your fingertips
Dr Andrew Larner says iESE has developed an improvement and innovation model to support exchange of the latest local government practice that is inclusive and easy to use.
Big data, big opportunity
Dr Andrew Larner says it would be impossible for councils to ignore the increasing wave of big data - and embracing the change seems to be at the forefront of local authority evolution.
Making digital partnerships work
Melvyn Ingleson says that while the expertise of technology companies is genuine, there is an opportunity for councils to re-balance relationships, drive a harder bargain and ensure robust engagement from those you hold accountable for outcomes.
How to bring location to life
GeoPlace is a a partnership between the Local Government Association and Ordnance Survey to produce a comprehensive database of address and street data. The organisation's recent conference heard that better connected more accurate location data can deliver a much brighter future.
5G rollout held up due to legal wrangles over lamppost control
A new electronics communications code designed to make the rollout of 5G easier has backfired, leading to a two-year hold-up due to legal wrangling.
Experts call for revenue-boosting internet tax
Green credits and an internet transaction tax could provide valuable new revenue streams for local government, MPs have been told.
From jurassic to digital – the evolution of services
As the new Dorset unitaries get underway, the sea-change in structure is matched by the new wave of digital technology. Against this backdrop, a group of top council chiefs met at a BT/The MJ round table to look to the future.
Gateshead e-voting trial declared a success
The tradition of dozens of volunteers gathering in town halls and leisure centres to count ballots until the crack of dawn and beyond could soon become a thing of the past.
Keeping up with the techsperts
Heather Jameson reports on a round table hosted by Penna, discussing the pace of change for local government as IT and technology continues to evolve
Move forward on business rates admin
The Government has taken the next step towards modernising the administration of business rates to ‘make them fit for the 21st century’.
Tackling tricky social issues in the SameRoom
Alex Bailey outlines how Adur DC and Worthing BC use the platform of good systems leaders and robust, low-code applications-building to achieve new solutions to long-standing local problems.
Why are councils lagging behind the public sector in cloud adoption?
Andy Powell considers why only 44% of councils have a cloud infrastructure in place six years after the introduction of the Government's 'Cloud First' policy.
How chiefs can lead digital change
At a round table debate in Manchester, The MJ and BT discussed the implications of digital transformation for senior management of local authorities. Heather Jameson reports.
How tech could help fight social care fraud
Councils need to administer a huge number of care contracts with a multiplicity of providers. Julian Pilling says using the right data and technology could help tackle fraud.