What are we looking for?

You might be thinking "That's all very well, but what does that mean?". Dozens of examples of the type of site can be found on the Taskforce wiki.  But here are a few to give you some ideas:

Crime Mapping

The slides below show an interactive map showing where crimes have been committed. Unlike a lot of crime maps, however, it doesn't just display the crimes alone - it also contains contact information for your local police. Enabling you to see what's happening in your local area, set your forces top priorities and also decide where to park your car!

top tip: Click on the picture to see a presentation

The information needed to do this is:

• Crime data with location
• Map data (google maps)
• Police contact details by location (neighbourhood policing)
• Local facilities (google)

Fix My Street

This is a simple website where you can report problems with your local environment. You start with a place or postcode and then report your fault. The site allows you to attach a photo before marking your report on a map. The report is then whizzed off to the relevant local authority who can fix it.

   

The information needed to do this is:

• A Map
• Knowing where the Local Authorities are on the map
• Email contact for Local Authorities

Further Examples

You idea needn't involve a map or a fancy look.  We would be very interested in ideas that bring together disparate information to make it easier to use.  One good example is the independent site www.farmsubsidy.org - which compiles obscure information about subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy and puts it in one place.  To make it much easier to see where farm subsidies are going across Europe.

Other ideas could be even simpler than this - simply getting hold of a list of public service outlets to create a discussion forum for each one and give feedback on public services.  This could be anything from job centres to tax offices to schools or prisons - like the wonderful prototype ratemyprison.