Ten things you need to know about digital democracy

1. “Revolution not Evolution” – In her report to the Cabinet Office, the UK’s Digital Champion
Martha Lane Fox called for a ‘Channel Shift that will increasingly see public services provided
digitally by default”.
2. But this isn’t just about technology - This is is about delivering lower cost services designed
around the user – the citizen.
3. What online information do people want from their council? Simple, timely and relevant notice
of school closures, road works and library opening times.
4. Transparency and Open Government On entering the White House, one of President Obama’s
first acts was to issue a memorandum to all staff stating “My administration is committed to
creating an unprecedented level of openness. We will work together to endure the public trust
and establish a system of transparency, public participation and collaboration. Openness will
strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.
5. Town hall openness and accountability Eric Pickles has called on all councils to “publish details
of all spending over £500 as part of wider action to bring about a revolution in town hall
openness and accountability”.
6. Blogging the council meeting – Mr Pickles has also written to councils encouraging them to open
their doors to bloggers and allow online filming of public discussions.
7. Social media use in the UK – LGiU research has shown that nearly half of all local authorities are
“actively” using social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube in their work
8. A tweeting day in the life of – Walsall Council and Greater Manchester Police have both
conducted 24 hour live live tweeting experiments to provide the public with a snapshot of the
broad range of work they do.
9. Can this save money? It is estimated that savings of £1.3 billion can be delivered if 30% of
government service delivery contracts are shifting to digital channels. Francis Maude MP also
believes open government data will create a £6 billion technology industry.
10. Going mobile Since 2008, mobile data traffic has increased by 2000%, and by 2014  mobile
Internet use is expected to surpass desktop use