A new Directgov survey reveals what people say they want from online government services. A few of them seem sensible, and more importantly, do-able: it would be a huge boost for Directgov’s credibility if they were to make substantial progress on some of these, in double-quick time. (Text-messaging parents if their kids don’t show up at school ought to be a doddle, surely?)
Others, frankly, are sci-fi… making me wonder whether this was a ‘serious’ survey, or a cheap ‘get some news coverage’ PR stunt. But most disturbing of all, some are already available online – I’m specifically thinking of the #1 desire for motorists ‘in the future’, the ability to renew car tax online. Here’s a hint: try searching Google for ‘renew car tax online’. There’s even a ‘sponsored link’ at the top of the page, telling you where to go. And guess which bright orange government website it points you to.
It is good though that they are sharing this information and allowing people to respond to it. Rather than simply taking it away, synthesising it and ignoring the difficult stuff. Some good points here: http://www.idealgovernment.com/index.php/blog/well_done_directgov_but_less_spin_please/