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Power of information principles get go–ahead from Government

Cabinet Office Minister Hilary Armstrong today signalled a new direction in the Government's approach to developments on the internet. Responding to the independent ‘Power of Information’ Review [PDF 610KB, 20 page] Hilary Armstrong said that the Government would:

• engage in partnership with user–led online communities, not attempt to replicate them;
• ensure that it fully understands and responds appropriately to changes in the information market; and
• advise civil servants on how best to participate in new media to correct mis–information or better inform citizens on day–to–day issues.

The Review, published on the 7th of June, was commissioned by the Government from two leading experts in online information and citizen empowerment Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of The National Consumer Council and Tom Steinberg, Director and Founder of mySociety. This review and the Government's response are thought to be the world's first significant investigation of these issues by a government.

Hilary Armstrong said today:

‘The Government should work in partnership with the best of citizens' efforts, not replicate them. If we really want to deliver better public services, the best way to do that is bottom up. Change is driven by better feedback, open information and more ways in which citizens can make their voices heard about what matters to them. The challenge is for all public bodies to think about how they can respond to the challenges described here.’

‘Citizens themselves are already helping each other in online communities. If 30,000 parents were meeting in a park or football stadium to share information and tips about parenting, government would take notice. That they are doing it online simply means we have to find different ways to take their efforts just as seriously.’

Ed Mayo, co–author of the original independent ‘Power of Information’ Review said:

‘This is a welcome announcement and good news for public service users. It heralds a more open approach to public information and more interactive ways of helping people find their way through services from claiming benefits to choosing childcare. With perfect political timing, public service reform now has a lively and creative forward agenda.’

Co–author Tom Steinberg said:

“I am pleased that the Government is accepting the majority of recommendations. Now the challenge will be to ensure that the new principles outlined in the review become Government's standard lens though which it looks at public information issues in the future.”

Notes to editors

1. The independent review and its 15 recommendations can be found at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk. It has also been posted on www.commentOnThis.com[External website].
2. The Cabinet Office is encouraging a debate about these issues on it's Have Your Say section.
3. In February 2007 Cabinet Office Minister Hilary Armstrong commissioned Tom Steinberg, Director of mySociety and Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of the National Consumer Council to: “explore new developments in the use and communication of citizen and State generated public information in the UK, and to present an analysis and recommendations to the Cabinet Office Minister as part of the Policy Review”.

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