Durham County Council has been shortlisted for a national award for its digital transformation.
The local authority has been shortlisted for the Digital Transformation category in The MJ Awards 2020, which recognises achievement in local government.
It follows the council’s efforts to bring more services online, improve the quality and choice of those digital services and help its communities to thrive in a digital world.
There are now more than 120 council services available online, allowing residents more flexibility over when and how they can engage with the council.
Additionally, many of its business processes have been updated to reflect advances in digital technology, allowing mobile working, reduced travelling and fewer paper records.
The council is also helping its communities to become more digital by increasing the coverage of super-fast broadband and supporting more residents to get digitally connected.
Cllr Andrea Patterson, Cabinet member for corporate services and rural issues, said: “It is fantastic that we’ve been shortlisted for a national award, which recognises our effort to improve and enhance our digital services. It is thanks to the dedication and commitment of our staff and partners working together that has made this possible. They have embraced new technologies, adapted working practices to offer greater flexibility and strengthened our service offer.”
Cllr Joy Allen, Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “Sixty-five per cent of our customers now make their service requests online, highlighting how important it is that we use technology to improve the quality of our services and work in better and smarter ways to support our residents. As we continue to innovate those services, we can continue to provide the best digital offers to all residents, businesses and visitors to the county.”
The winners of The MJ Awards 2020 will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony, which takes place in October.
