Description

Part A Main findings

As the e-government programme draws to a close and the Efficiency Review becomes the focus of the transformation of local public services, this report explores the links, the overlaps and the challenges.

Introduction

The Efficiency Review affects all parts of the public sector in the UK. Publications from central government, devolved administrations and all national and regional local government agencies make it clear that efficiency gains will be delivered by reaping the benefits of ICT in transforming public services.

Using ICT to generate efficiency gains

The opportunity to realise efficiency gains through the effective deployment of ICT and information management exists in every service area across the public sector. Transformational change will realise the biggest rewards.

Making efficiency gains in the ICT service

The development of e-government has focused investment on the ICT service. Even though delivery of efficiency gains may require further investment in ICT, the service must transform itself along with the rest of the council.

Challenges of the Efficiency Review

The efficiency programme can be a great opportunity for the ICT function. However, there are significant risks to be managed if the outcomes of this business  transformation programme are to be of value to the public.

Conclusions

The search for efficiency gains should not be a new programme for councils. Changes focused on meeting the needs of customers and local communities will lead to efficiency gains in service delivery.

Part B Case studies

Three councils provide detailed information about the ways that their e-government implementations have delivered efficiency gains. Reduced costs, increased service quality and quantity, and improved employee morale have all been realised by effective implementation of technology and information management.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Flexible working is a reality at Bracknell Forest Borough Council. More than 30% of employees have taken advantage of the option to work in new ways using the BFAnywhere flexible working portal. Reduced office space and increased productive time are the result.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Giving customers the choice of channels to contact East Riding of Yorkshire Council and taking services out into the community, is delivering better services and lower costs. ICT is in use in all parts of the council to help deliver excellent services and reduced budgets.

West Lothian Council

Joint working, shared information and new models of care are delivering better services at lower cost in West Lothian Council. Technology is assisting in supporting vulnerable people and reducing the need for high-cost care options.

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