The next government has been urged to invest more in IT and make access to services simpler by better use of the internet.
Omnibus polling commissioned by Lagan Technologies indicates that a clear majority (77%) of the UK population approve of more money being spent to improve their access to services. Approval is marginally higher still amongst the 55+ age group, confounding the view that online services are viewed more favourably by the young or so-called 'early adopters'.
Although the amount of money spent on IT was a concern for 42% of respondents, only 4% felt negative about their personal use of new communications methods to access government services.
Des Speed, chief executive of Lagan Technologies, said: "Our polling points to clear opportunity for the next government. It demonstrates that there is an overwhelming public appetite for the use of technology to improve access to local and national government services. The poll also indicates that the public are prepared to embrace innovative communications methods."
The three favoured methods of accessing local council services are phone (68%), email (66%) and access via the internet (63%). Fewer than half chose mail (48%) or visits to council offices (47%).
Asked what would most improve access to public services, 53% of respondents were in favour of one memorable number for contact with all government services. The memorable phone number was most popular with the 55+ age bracket.
A quarter of respondents (24%) were in favour of their own web page for accessing services, a proposal outlined by the Government several weeks ago. More popular were mobile applications. Among the 18-34 year old age group 26% favoured the use of mobile applications.
Seventeen percent of the 18-34 year old age bracket favoured an iPhone-style app for communication with government services.
From Flip Chart Fairy Tales
From Bubb's Blog
From Whitehall Watch
