In Wider and deeper with e-democracy eGov monitor reports a somewhat optimistic view of the benefits of new online methods for both councils and citizens:
All local authorities can meet the challenge of citizen empowerment by using new e-democracy tools and techniques to raise levels of trust and engagement.
By using e-channels that appeal to young and time hungry citizens, councils can expect to buck the trend of falling engagement rates associated with traditional consultation methods. Local authorities can also make some savings by using e-channels and meet vital government targets associated with e-government and the newer agendas of CPA and neighbourhoods.
The conclusion is based on a report of the benefits of e-democracy published by the local e-Democracy National Project, which has identified that all types of councils should be using e-democracy to improve community engagement work. Publication co-incides with a series of regional conferences for officers and councillors to encourage take-up of e-democracy products. According to the report:
the tangible benefits include:
* Meeting government targets (CPA, PSO etc): HIGH VALUE
* Service improvement / added value: USEFUL
* Cost and efficiency gains: SMALLER but will add to business case.
The study also makes the case for e-democracy from the stakeholders point of view. Councillors can expect to improve their role of scrutiny and representation with tools such as: councillor websites, blogging and online surgeries. Officers can expect to better inform citizens, gather views and feedback findings into service delivery using tools such as, e-petitioning and e-panels. While citizens and communities can expect to organise and campaign more effectively with tools such as Issues Forums and BBC Action Network.
As I reported last year, in How to sell e-democracy - engage the local e-Democracy National Project is running a major marketing programme following up on its £4 million programme developing e-democracy tools. It's quite a tough job because many councils - and citizens - are yet to be convinced. A survey for the national project concluded:
Most councils view engaging local residents as one of their corporate priorities (77%) and most have a written strategy in place (76%). This has yet to translate into a similar level of support for e-Democracy, with only one in five (19%) authorities so far having a written e-Democracy strategy. A further third (36%) do have plans to draw a strategy up, suggesting that we are still in the process of e-Democracy being implemented by local authorities.
The latest report of benefits includes an appendix with a comprehensive run-down on which tools are likely to provide what benefits. Some tools have estimate of financial savings and increased engagement.
I hope the report gets good coverage - although I think it just a touch over the top in what's claimed. Unfortunately it isn't very e-friendly ... the blog reference on the main site is pretty brief, and the report is only available as pdf download.
One handy tip when you want to sell something: Get the person who is selling it to believe in it in the first place.
I've read that document, and it's bland manager-speak. It's almost completely unreadable. I'd be astonished if it's authors will find anyone who has read it and been inspired into action.
Posted by: Paul Evans | February 06, 2006 at 06:38 PM