Cuts, cuts, cuts. And more cuts. That's the prevailing conversation in local government at the moment. Avoiding these on the front line is paramount and it's imperative councils make sure their services, software and running models are as efficient as possible.
The coalition's recently announced cross-government ICT strategy aims to introduce cloud computing to the public sector in a bid to make online services the first point of contact for the public. There has been lots of talk too about how cloud computing could help councils to save money and improve the way they operate by streamlining websites and sharing content.
Similarly, the role of networking is becoming increasingly important, with councils sharing back offices and increasingly recognising social media and online networks as a means to connect with communities. In our recent Q&A the need to improve internet access in rural areas was also highlighted as an important consideration for local government and with the inclusion of super-fast broadband in the government's new enterprise zone scheme, the commitment to getting online is clear.
With an emphasis on communication, accountability and openness, how can councils make sure they are making the most of their resources? In this week's Q&A we'll be looking at ways of streamlining your infrastructure, embracing technology and discussing what the future of local government will look like. Join us on Wednesday 12 April from 12pm - 3pm when our panel will be online, or post your question in the comments below now.
Bob Cunningham is client partner at BT global services and specialises in business transformation and shared service delivery in UK local government
Susan Hall is a partner at Cobbetts LLP and has a background of over twenty years legal practice in ICT
Gary Hawksworth is client partner at BT global services and works to ensure BT understand the needs of the sector, identifying and developing opportunities for new business
Martin Howitt is an enterprise IT architect at Devon county council and contributor to the annual Socitm technology challenge, with particular interests in cloud computing
Robert Dale is digital democracy manager at LGiU
Louis Mosley works for Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border. He also looks after www.broadbandcumbria.com
Kate Sahota is communities & libraries ICT services manager for Warwickshire county council and is particularly interested in transparency, accountability, collaboration and partnership working
Carl Haggerty is an enterprise architect at Devon county council and is focused on how to use the web to support participation, collaboration, partnership working, the transparency agenda and communities
Trefor Davies is CTO of Timico. Trefor also serves on the council of the ISP Association
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