local e-gov EXPO 2006 - The National Event

Transforming Local Government

Over 1,300 strategic decision makers, department heads and relevant practitioners involved in English local authorities attended the two day local e-gov EXPO at London's ExCel exhibition centre over the 5th and 6th April.

The event, organised by the local e-gov programme, is the largest local authority e-government event in the UK and aims to help local authorities transform service delivery through the adoption of e-services. Using a comprehensive programme of inspirational keynote sessions, focused tutorials and real-life examples - plus hands-on demonstrations from leading service providers - the local e-gov EXPO National Event explained the potential impact of ongoing initiatives on key areas.

Councillor Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, opened the event. He said: “EXPO aims to provide strategic input, practical advice, proven delivery tools and a unique insight into the next phase of national and regional initiatives. Ultimately, it's about helping local authorities in building and delivering improved public services.”

The comprehensive two-day programme featured over 140 conference sessions, focusing on the four themes of transformation, innovation, take-up and efficiency, together with other cross-cutting initiatives such as e-Procurement, Shared Services, Mobile Working and Social inclusion.

The event also featureed over 150 speakers, including representatives from many four-star CPA-rated councils, Regional Centres of Excellence, local authority service heads, National Projects, Government Connect, Local Directgov and Take-Up.

Over 120 exhibitors were also be present, including the National Projects, major technology vendors and specialist service providers.

The local e-gov partnership between councils and the ODPM (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) has been running for five years and has seen major changes to the public face, quality and accessibility of services through the use of effective technology.

During this time, local authorities have wholeheartedly taken up the challenge to transform the way in which they interact with their citizens. The results have been extremely impressive: over 97 percent of English local authority services were e-enabled by the start of this year and local councils are set to deliver efficiency gains of almost £1.9 billion by the end of 2005/06.

Martin Scarfe, (pictured, left) local e-gov National Projects programme director, said: “The focus for the local e-gov programme has, quite rightly, shifted from helping local authorities to work e-electronically, to enabling them to deliver services e-effectively and efficiently. This EXPO is a major step forward in this initiative.”