Delivering a digital future
Lancaster City Council has signed the Local Digital Declaration, committing itself to expanding its use of technology to make services more efficient and easier to use.
In doing so it joins an increasing number of councils that are designing digital solutions to better meet the needs of citizens and deliver better value for money.
It also provides the council with the opportunity to bid for money from the Local Digital Fund and develop further a new digital screens project it is currently piloting.
The project utilizes technology provided by Lancaster University and has seen six digital screens installed across the council estate.
Its aim is to improve communications internally, particularly with those who do not have access to the council’s computer network, and promote the services of chosen partners, both to encourage people to get involved and signpost people to sources of help.
Organisations that have provided content to date include The Growing Club, Morecambe Bay Foodbank, Lancaster and Morecambe College and St John’s Hospice.
Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for Sustainable Economic Prosperity, said: “The continued growth of the internet and the advent of new technologies provide the council, and the public sector as a whole, with the impetus to redesign services for the benefit of our communities.
“Signing the Local Digital Declaration is a clear commitment to expand our use of technology to make us more efficient and improve our services to the public.
“We also recognise, however, that there continues to be a ‘digital divide’, with many people excluded because they cannot afford the equipment or lack the basic skills.
“The digital screens project is one area where we can help to bridge the gap. Rather than expecting people to find important information online, the installation of digital screens will increase its availability to our public spaces.
“This is going to be even more vital in the era of Covid-19, with public safety messaging becoming more important than ever before.”
Last updated: 29 July 2020