Small councils are finding ways to cope with meagre resources, delivering e-government against the odds, according to a report published on 17 November 2003. he Society for IT Management's (Socitm) report* highlights the work of some authorities which have overcome gaps in funding to lead the way for local e-government in the UK.
It features seven councils which are making progress despite the size of their budgets. They are: North Cornwall District Council, Canterbury City, Caradon District Council, Derwentshire District Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Stroud.
It also looks at the pioneering Welland Partnership, which involves five local authorities from four county areas collaborating to deliver e-services.
North Cornwall was one council singled out for its success. It has received top ratings from local authority inspectors, and according to the report, leads the way in using IT to "transform service delivery".
"It is an example of an authority where the chief executive understands the potential of IT to transform service delivery, and is prepared to give top-level commitment to IT-enabled change," says the report.
The council has developed a range of e-services and through partnerships with other authorities. According to the report, it has "increased capacity, reduced costs and shared knowledge and expertise."
All the councils in the report have budgets below £35m and employ no more than 25 IT staff.
Commenting on the performance of the seven councils included in the survey, Martin Greenwood, programme manager for Socitm's research service said:
"Their approach holds lessons for others and is characterised by: an ability to focus on a clear purpose; allowing managers the scope to act; getting all parts of the organisation to act cohesively; and using technology to support the communication required to bring the organisation together."
*The report is available through Socitm Insight.
Quelle: Kablenet, 17.11.2003
