Glasgow City Council has published a draft Digital Housing Strategy aimed at making the most of technology and data in support of its efforts to improve local housing.
It includes an intent to develop a standardised approach to the collection, storage and analysis of data among the various partners in public and private sectors – along with the development of an online common housing register.
The council has based the strategy on four themes – data, digital inclusion, systems and services, and technology – and said it is aimed at promoting the use of digital platforms to improve access to housing and relevant services, raise awareness of the technologies available and improve digital inclusion in the city.
The strategy document – the first of its kind for Glasgow – outlines digital services currently provided by the council and partners including registered social landlords, private landlords and the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership.
It indicates that more than half of registered social landlords collect data on tenants’ use of digital services, but that there is a need for stronger standardisation of all data, and to meet a number of targets over the next five years.
Action plans
These include the development of the online system (within three years), the creation of a digital housing working group (within three), the implementation of internet of things technology to improve housing conditions, and increase the number of homes with fibre broadband connections.
It has also outlined six broad priorities to:
- expand the range of housing services available online;
- reduce the number of households in Glasgow that are digitally excluded;
- improve the collection, analysis and display of data in digital systems;
- deliver effective partnership working to implement digital technology and improve connectivity;
- help to reduce levels of deprivation;
- and promote health and wellbeing.
“There are a range of benefits associated with implementing digital services and technologies,” the document’s introduction says. “Such benefits include improving access to housing related services, engaging with tenants and communities through various online platforms and gathering data, which can assist in informing business plans or activity.”
The council is inviting feedback through a survey by 11 October.
Image from iStock, Anyaberkut
