Hounslow Council is placing a strong emphasis on digital innovation and inclusion as part of its strategic vision for the borough.
The council's Delivery Plan 2022-2026, reviewed at a recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, highlights the importance of the Digital Portfolio in achieving its goals. This includes leveraging emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and extending digital inclusion initiatives to ensure all residents can participate as the Council expands its digital offer.
The Digital Portfolio aims to transform service delivery, empower residents and staff, and future-proof the organisation. The Digital Delivery Plan focuses on:
- Improving digital access for residents and businesses.
- Promoting digital inclusion and skills.
- Enhancing data capabilities.
- Modernising and integrating Council IT infrastructure.
Priorities for the coming period include strengthening data protection and cyber security in the context of evolving threats and regulatory requirements, leveraging emerging technologies like AI, and extending digital inclusion initiatives.
Specifically, the council plans to take AI from a novel technology to a normal aspect of delivery through more rapid piloting, evaluation and delivery, while maintaining robust governance and ethics. The aim is to drive further efficiencies and improve outcomes for residents.
Key achievements so far include improved cyber security, replacement of outdated systems, and migration of data centre services to the cloud.
