Innovative projects reach the finals in national awards
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- Category: Local Government
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Self service technology and online planning services are two projects competing to be crowned the winners at this year’s national
e-governance awards.
The two Dudley Council-run projects were recently entered into the awards, which recognise and celebrate best practice in public sector ICT services and are now two of 72 projects short listed from 440 nominations.
The self service library provision at library links is short listed in the innovation in strategy at a local level category, which recognises new systems which have demonstrated above average results in improving services.
Self service technology was introduced for the first time in Dudley Wood, Woodside and Quarry Bank library links to provide a quick and easy way for people to issue and return their books themselves.
Councillor David Simms, cabinet member for housing, libraries and adult learning, said:
“Introducing self service technology for the first time in library links was a big step for the council but one which has proved extremely successful. We’ve had so much positive feedback from visitors to the links and have now introduced the technology in other libraries including Wordsley and Kingswinford. To be short listed for a national award is in itself a fantastic achievement and to win will be the icing on the cake for us.”
The council’s online planning service is short listed in the take up and usage growth category which rewards high and growing take up of online services.
Improvements to online planning services such as the ability to pay online, a new customer portal which allows applicants to manage their applications online and the need to no longer supply multiple copies of applications and supporting documents has seen more than 40,000 people visit the planning web pages in the last financial year and 35 per cent of planning applications submitted online.
Councillor Les Jones, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration, said:
“I am delighted the council has been short listed for this award. I think it demonstrates very clearly that the council is making it easier for people to access its services and that we are always looking to improve the way we work.”
To find out more about the awards go to www.e-governmentawards.co.uk. The winners will be announced on January 20.
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