Cheshire East approves digital strategy to transform service delivery

Cheshire East Council’s corporate policy committee has approved its digital strategy – aiming to use the power of digital innovation to transform the way the council works and how it engages with and supports communities.

The strategy has been developed with input from Cheshire East residents, businesses and partners. It recognises the extent of digital activities already underway and sets out the council’s aspirations to accelerate and extend these over the coming years.

The digital strategy supports the council’s vision to become an open, fair and green Cheshire East, and outlines four key digital aims:

· Provide innovative public services – to be an information-led council, delivering services which are responsive, convenient, accessible and safe in a consistent and cost effective way;

· Create sustainable digital infrastructure – supporting the delivery of a world-class, area-wide infrastructure, allowing everyone to access and benefit from digital technologies;

· Create a vibrant digital economy – a digitally skilled workforce and an internationally recognised area for businesses to thrive; and

· Improve health, wellbeing and inclusion – an area where people live well for longer; independently and enjoying the place where they live.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of the corporate policy committee, said: “Maximising the opportunities that the digital revolution provides is a priority for the council – and this needs to be done in collaboration with our partners.

“Digital is far wider than just technology. It is also about collaborating and focusing on our communities to deliver services that will meet future needs and challenges, while also supporting the council to work efficiently and in innovative ways.

“We have already made strong progress with our digital journey. The pandemic has driven change at a pace not seen before and we have all had to adapt to changes in our daily working practices and in our communities. However, we know that there is more to be done, and that as digital technologies continue to change at pace, we must be flexible to adapt to the new opportunities that this presents.

“We must also ensure that no-one is left behind and that we continue to support those who are unable to, or choose not to use digital.

“I look forward to seeing how this strategy can help to provide a clear vision for our digital transformation, against which the existing wide range of activities can be co-ordinated and future initiatives can be assessed. Thank you to our partners, staff and communities for their support and contribution in the development of this strategy”.

The council will report on progress against the aims of the digital strategy on a six-monthly basis. You can view the strategy by visiting cheshireeast.gov.uk and searching for ‘digital strategy’ or view the webpage.