Published: Monday, 30th Sep 2019

Bolton Council has signed up to a digital future as part of the government’s Local Digital Declaration.

It commits the council, as part of the Bolton Wigan IT Partnership, to: 

Cllr Nadim Muslim signs the Local Digital Declaration

Cllr Nadim Muslim signs the Local Digital Declaration

·         design services that best meet the needs of citizens

·         challenge the technology market to offer the flexible tools and services we need

·         protect citizens’ privacy and security

·         deliver better value for money

The declaration has been signed as part of the council’s new Digital Strategy which looks at how the council will use technology to improve services and enable residents to make the most of digital skills and opportunities.

Signing up to the Local Digital Declaration involves the council putting forward proposed projects to be developed. These include:

·         promoting free digital skills training and computer and internet access to residents to improve their skills, and working with partners in those areas where these facilities are not available

·         increase the number of digital apprenticeships in the borough to support the growth of digital and tech businesses

·         see how digital technology can improve the process for taxi licensing

The declaration was set up by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government; the Government Digital Service, local authorities and public sector bodies across the country to use technology to improve services.

Councillor Nadim Muslim, Executive Cabinet for Stronger Communities said: “I am delighted that we have signed the Local Declaration, as part of our newly launched digital strategy, which is about residents, businesses and the council all harnessing the power of digital technology.

“The declaration is focused on working with other councils, government agencies, voluntary and private sector partners, to share learning around how digital solutions can solve shared business problems and how we can help residents and businesses in Bolton to benefit from the growth in the digital and tech sector.”