Mark Whitehead 06 September 2017

Combined authorities should adopt new tech to improve lives, report says

New technology should be used to improve life in recently-devolved combined authorities, according to town planners.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) says new technology can help the city regions tackle complex economic, social and environmental challenges.

In a report Better Planning: Smart City-Regions, the RTPI says the recent devolution agenda offers opportunities for combined authorities to create 'joined up plans' for housing, infrastructure, health and the environment.

But it says new approaches are needed to understand complex economic, social and environmental trends, build consensus between a wide range of stakeholders and develop long-term plans in conditions of uncertainty.

RTPI policy officer James Harris said: 'Smart-city initiatives show that big data and new technology can improve the efficiency of infrastructure networks and many aspects of city life, but the benefits can go much further.

'By applying technological innovation to strategic planning, we can help combined authorities develop plans for cities and their surrounding areas, including towns and rural areas.

'New types of data can help them tackle a broad range of issues such as growing regional divide, housing, health, and climate change.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Qualified Solicitor / Legal Executive - Criminal & Regulatory

Essex County Council
£48898.0000 - £57526.0000 per annum
Qualified Solicitors / Legal Executives - Criminal and Regulatory LawPermanent, Full Time£48,898 to £57,526 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Core Business Support Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 - 17 (£27,254 - £31,022) Pro-rata
You will be required to undertake the necessary admin functions to ensure the service operates to a high standard. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Creative and Digital Content Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£31,537-£36,363
If you have a talent for storytelling, it’s an exciting time to join Sandwell Council. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Adults Senior Data Analyst

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£40,737 - £49,365
Senior DataAnalyst
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Graphic Designer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£37,280-£41,771
It’s an exciting time to join Sandwell Council. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner