Modern technology to help you connect with your council

Shropshire Council is “keeping up with the times” and using innovative new technology to save money and provide services in more ways than ever before.

Residents will be able to access services in more convenient ways as the council works to become a more streamlined, modern organisation.

A new ICT (information and communications technology) strategy has been produced which sets out how the council will modernise its computer systems, helping staff and councillors work more flexibly.  This means the council can be more responsive to people’s needs and save money at the same time.

The strategy suggests a variety of innovative techniques to help officers and councillors provide services differently in the future.  For example, a dog warden could use a mobile device to instantly map problems with dog litter and file reports without the need to come into the office.

Cabinet members – the 10 most senior councillors responsible for the day-to-day decision-making at the council – could replace their laptop computers with mobile devices, such as iPads.  An initial investment of around £3,000 would result in potential savings of around £100,000 a year on paper and printing costs.

As well as internal changes, the ICT Strategy strengthens the council’s commitment to push for better broadband coverage in Shropshire to help businesses thrive even in the most isolated rural areas.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Cabinet member for transport and IT, said:

“There are huge benefits to be gained from the effective use of modern technology, both for Shropshire’s communities and the council.  I am committed to pursuing broadband coverage to the whole county, without which local businesses will not achieve their full growth potential, and our communities will be less connected than they should be.”

Council leader, Keith Barrow, added:

“It’s incredibly important we keep up with the times and make the best use of the technology available.  I have personally been trialling an iPad for the past six months and it has already paid for itself three times over in saved time alone.  I’ve hardly had to print any documents since I’ve had it, which has also saved hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

“I am really keen to explore the world of smartphone ‘apps’, which will make council services more accessible to lots of people who wouldn’t normally visit a council office or our website.”

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will discuss the ICT Strategy at its meeting on Wednesday 11 May 2011.  The meeting agenda and reports can be viewed by clicking this link.