The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched a blueprint to help councils maximise their use of IT to transform services for residents.

Information from councils across the country has been brought together and laid out in four papers, which also outline good practice, set out the strategy for the future, and make the case for well-targeted investment in digital technology.

The report focuses on:

•Transactions.
•Transforming services.
•Developing skills amongst local leaders.
•Establishing coordinated support across the sector to drive forward the take-up of relevant digital tools, technologies and procurement.

Commenting on the new blueprint, Cllr David Simmonds, chairman of LGA's Improvement and Innovation Board, said:

‘Councils have a long history of using digital technology both to transform services for the benefit of their communities and to allow residents to do business with councils online. From investing in telecare to allow people to live independently in their homes for longer, to using online services to tackle loneliness by putting neighbours in touch with each other, councils have championed the use of new technology as it emerges.

‘Close working with central government and other partners, along with carefully targeted investment, will allow local authorities to continue delivering the digital services that are cost-efficient and best respond to local needs.’

Paul Waller of the Brunel University Digital Governance Team, which has been looking into digital transformation in government, said:

'These reports add up to an impressive package of proposals for using digital to improve services. By acknowledging the importance of transformation, as distinct from transactions, the strategy shows real insight into the potential of digital for local government.’