IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

A new report just published by independent market analysts Datamonitor (DTM.L) finds that a significant number of local authorities are not confident they will meet the government's 2005 targets for 100% e-enablement of local services. The report "Technology Opportunities in the UK Public Sector," investigated current issues and opportunities for enterprise communications and managed services solutions in the top four short-term target sectors in the UK. The research focused on Healthcare, Education the Police and Local government. In the case of local authorities, the survey reveals that 36% local authorities do not believe they will be able to fully meet the implementation of electronic government (IEG) requirements by 2005. Whilst the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has stipulated that local authorities who do not make the grades may find themselves short-funded*, Datamonitor's survey reveals that it is not simply a question of funds. Councils perceive the most important success factor to be guidance. They do not expect to get this from other councils or even the central government but from IT service providers, technology vendors and consultancies/integrators.

E-enablement to make local council services easier for the population to access and use E-enablement is meant to make basic local council services easier for the population to access and use. The processes put in place will facilitate over 700 services for example sorting taxes/returns online, arranging refuse pick-up and getting pet licenses. Great for citizen convenience. But in a time when many councils are cutting back on spending, fearing staff cuts and just trying to make do, how many of them will be able to successfully provide all of these services by the 2005 IEG deadline, which encourages councils to use e-government for:

• Transforming services,
• Renewing local democracy and
• Promoting local economic vitality.

Beyond funding - whilst 92% of councils cited funding as important, 73% say guidance is key

Thus far, it has been said that the process of implementing electronic government (IEG) in 2001 (IEG1) and 2002 (IEG2) has been successful in engaging councils and in promoting a corporate approach to tackling e-government. Indeed in April 2003, in view of Councils having submitted satisfactory IEG2 statements, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has confirmed all Councils will receive a capital grant of £200,000 in 2003/04 to assist in implementing their plans, so as to meet 2005 targets for the 100% e-enablement of local services. The deadline for the local authority submission of IEG3 statements comes up in October 2003. The ODPM has stated that failure to comply with any elements of this proforma may result in the withholding of funding.

The government created the 25 Pathfinder councils to serve as examples for other local authorities to provide insights into the implementation of new technologies and services. However, many non-participating councils see the greatest value of Pathfinder projects as justifications to get further funding for their own agencies.

Successful councils offer three main sets of advice to councils who are having trouble meeting IEG deadlines:

• "There is a very strong need to provide sustainable funding."
• "Cultural change is key to success."
• "Don't over commit. To succeed you must have sustainable input."

But beyond funding, the most important factor for success is seen as guidance, with 92% citing funding as important vs. 73% placing guidance as key.

Kathleen Klasnic, lead analyst of Datamonitor's enterprise communications and public sector research comments:

"Most councils do not expect to get this guidance from other councils or even the central government, but more from IT service providers, technology vendors and consultancies/integrators. With many of these providers adding staff in their public sector divisions, like EDS, IBM and Cisco, a host of relevant expertise is on offer."

Quelle: Tenders Direct