‘UK local authorities have much to learn from US counterparts use of technology in decision making’ claims new think-tank report

March 3, 2004

A new report launched this week by independent think tank, the New Local Government Network (NLGN) has revealed the extent to which local authorities in the UK have much to learn from their US counterparts when using Information Communications Technology (ICT) in local decision making processes. But the report author, Dr Perri 6 adds that prior to embracing the new tools available, local councils need to first consider a number of candid questions.

Featuring detailed case study evidence from Baltimore (Maryland) and Fairfax (Virginia), Rewiring local decision making for political judgement illustrates how such authorities’ use of ‘Geographical Information Systems’, ‘modelling’ and ‘mapping’ offers both positive and negative lessons for UK public bodies:

“American public authorities at the federal, state and local levels have more experience with the use of advanced e-governance tools than do their British counterparts, and there is much to learn from them. That is not to say that US authorities provide examples to be followed in any simple way. Indeed, there are cases in the US which serve to provide warnings of risks and problems”.Having assessed the limited degree to which local authorities in the UK are using digital tools to support their strategic decision making processes, the report concludes that before investing in new e-governance tools those wishing to take the use of ICT forward should first consider three questions:

Who trusts whom with information?
Who wants to keep information private, away from their peers in the authority?
Who regards information as relevant or irrelevant to a decision, as evidence or as ruled out?As the author, Perri 6 remarks:

“There is no point in purchasing ICT in the hope that the political organisation of he decision makers in a local authority will adapt to make best use of a set of technologies that require patterns of trust, control of information, information use and political judgement that simply are not those of the elected members, chief officers and senior policy staff”.The report was launched at an event in London by local government minister, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, who in a foreword considers the real and tangible benefits to had from using ICT in local decision making processes:

“We do need to see how we can use ICT to help us make better policy decisions, especially at local level. Of course, technology cannot substitute for difficult processes in policy making, not least the need for leadership and at the same time consensus. Nor can technology suddenly make people work together better. But in drawing our attention to the possibilities already available, NLGN has done a great service to the continual drive for more modern and effective local institutions”.All media enquiries to Ian Parker at NLGN on 020 7357 0116

Notes for Editors:
The New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think-tank, seeking to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities.

Dr Perri 6 is a Senior Research Fellow at the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham.

Rewiring local decision making political judgement by Dr Perri 6 published by NLGN, price £11.25 (inc p&p). To order, email network@nlgn.org.uk or call 020 7357 0152.

The report was formally launched in central London at an event with Dr Perri 6, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Vanessa Lawrence of Ordnance Survey, Cllr Mike Freer, Cabinet Member, London Borough of Barnet, and Warren Hatter, Head of Research, NLGN.


Explore More