The 2006 Local Government White Paper highlighted the importance local information systems can play in improving decision making and targeting service delivery.

National sources are increasingly being supplemented with data from local sources collected by local information systems.

 This research found that in some areas they:

Sixty-nine upper and lower tier English local authorities have established regeneration information systems. These systems provide information to authorities that serve 48 per cent of the population in England.

The working definition adopted by this study is an information system that regularly collects, processes, stores and disseminates information for neighbourhood renewal activities. Information systems are most active at the beginning (strategy development) and end (performance monitoring) of the design and delivery process.

Three themes in the 2006 Local Government White Paper suggest there could be a more significant role for local information systems in the future:

Previous reports about data sharing and information systems were reviewed. Meetings with key stakeholders refined the project approach, to discover the location of systems and to identify the key issues.

The second stage of the study was an online survey of 388 English local authorities. Sixty-nine local information systems fitting the definition adopted for the study were identified. The online searches were supplemented by phone calls.

The final stage sought a more detailed understanding of the characteristics of local information systems. A second survey was undertaken to verify the nature and sources of the variables found.

Project workshops should be held. Further research is required to investigate benefits, barriers and conflicts. A detailed cost-benefit appraisal should be undertaken. The correlation study of Local Strategic Partnerships should be repeated. Changes advocated in the White Paper should be supported.

Develop Generic web-based teaching and support materials. System managers and users should analyse selected systems to establish best practice. Investigate systems in other countries. Communicate relevant developments in standards to systems managers.

A small group of system managers and users should recommend key variables that should be held on systems. Workshops and visits to systems should be co-ordinated.

Department for Communities and Local Government
contactus@communities.gov.uk

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/03/2007

IECRC for the Department for Communities and Local Government

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Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Research & innovation

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