West Sussex County Council has launched its new digital strategy, saying it will create a more connected and inclusive future for residents, businesses, and communities.
The strategy, set until 2027, is in line with the council plan for 2021-25 and reflects feedback from residents, businesses and local partners.
The council has highlighted the inclusion of ambitions to: enhance access to council services; offer more choice in how people interact with it and find information; promote the safe and secure use of technology while promoting digital skills; and using technology to protect the local environment and support innovation.
It outlines a series of broad actions and practical steps to achieve these goals under three themes: ‘Open to everyone’, ‘Smart services’ and ‘Modern organisation’.
While it does not cite specific technology choices, it includes commitments to improving accessibility, enhancing digital infrastructure, providing training opportunities and offering digital support for those who need it.
Making life better
Steve Waight, cabinet member for support services and economic development, said: “This digital strategy is about making life better for everyone in West Sussex. People are at the heart of this strategy, and we want to make it easier for residents to contact us and use our services with help from digital technology.
“We also know that not everyone will want, have access to, or be able to, use digital technology. This strategy makes a commitment that we are expanding our current offer and increasing the ways you can interact with us, meaning existing contact routes will remain in place.
“Additionally, this strategy supports the council’s priority of making the best use of resources. By introducing smarter digital solutions, we can address the challenges posed by increasing demand and complexity of needs while working within limited resources.”
