While Socitm welcomes the ODPM’s move to clarify the future of the National Projects, there clearly is some work still to do before the position on each project is clear and local authorities can plan their future reliance on the project outcomes with confidence. Socitm is glad therefore that the ODPM are continuing the ROADS (marketing, roll out and dissemination) and Support and Capacity Building programmes through 2005/06. These will support national project lead and partner local authorities in helping other local authorities to exploit national projects products. A coordinated picture of the national project programme and progress throughout this period is essential, Socitm believes.
Socitm has been in discussions with the ODPM over the future of the national projects for some time. While Socitm understands the reasons for the approach that ODPM has now adopted, it remains concerned that with no ongoing national co-ordination much of the value of the national projects will quickly dissipate. It is this that has now prompted Socitm to explore the issues and challenges with local authorities and with other organisations operating in the local e-government field, to assess how the Society can best continue to play a supportive role.
Socitm hopes that the joint working by local authorities on national projects, and their work creating and sharing of best practice through networks, toolkits and targeted research, can continue, and expects to play a significant role in ensuring that it does. Among other projects, Socitm is particularly concerned that the future of the Local e-Government Standards Body is secured.
The position for 2007/08 and beyond will become clearer over the next few months and Socitm hopes that those local authorities who wish to exploit national project products will be able to do so with confidence that they will continue to be developed and supported in the years ahead.
This programme is of course an English programme and one of perceived gaps that may need to be filled is bringing the English outcomes together with the important work also taking place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the benefit of all.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 24.02.2005
