Digital and technology

Tascomi software helping Northern Ireland Local Government provide online services to citizens

RIchard-2012 Citizens have, whether in times of recession or not, the right to expect excellent public services and value for money. As an Executive we are acutely aware of the need to deliver, and this is why we have identified this a priority. (Priority 5, Northern Ireland Executive, Programme for Government 2011-2015)

Software developed by a thriving Hillsborough-based firm is ensuring that over 60% of Northern Ireland’s local authorities will be at the forefront of delivering online services to citizens.

It is envisaged that authorities will make savings of an incredible 98% in transactional processing costs, as well as the service helping to meet not only the Programme for Government’s aim but also key objectives of the UK Government Digital Strategy.

Tascomi, recognising that services provided online are increasingly at the heart of customer service for many organisations, developed an easy to access Online Portal that fits seamlessly into local authorities’ websites, which enables online services, including payment services, with ease.

Enabling online dog licensing, bin sales, general enquiries, Building Control services, general licence applications and leisure bookings – the Online Portal integrates directly with Tascomi’s back-office systems. This allows all data to transfer seamlessly into the correct system to be processed.

Local Authorities such as Coleraine Borough Council have seen that improving customer service and access through use of the Online Portal provides enormous benefits to customers and to the organisation, including decreased stationery and postage costs, reduced administrative time spent on data entry and payment processing, as well as improved turnaround times and levels of service.

If just half an hour were saved by digitising every transaction currently completed offline, the UK Government Digital Strategy states that the total savings to the economy could be around £1.8bn

Valerie Shields, Business Support and Administration Manager for Coleraine Borough Council, said: “Implementing Tascomi’s online portal was a crucial business decision for us, as we endeavour to streamline our service to citizens and reduce costs. With more services to be offered online in the near future, we are fully confident of the improvements in service delivery which shall be achieved.”

In 2011, more than 150 million calls were classed as “avoidable” and “costly” for government

Tascomi’s Managing Director Dr Richard Martin said: “With the Government Digital Strategy Report acknowledging that most people in the UK “rarely” use online government services, we are delighted that so many of our local authority customers in Northern Ireland are deploying this innovative yet fundamental software, which is bringing such significant savings, particularly at this difficult time economically. The potential for further online services remains huge and Tascomi is at the forefront of enabling online services for citizens.”

Richard, considered one of Ireland’s most innovative and leading technology experts, founded Tascomi in 1998. From small beginnings it has grown at an impressive rate, earning a consistent reputation in Northern Ireland for offering robust software and high-quality customer support.

Tascomi recently won its first contract in GB for provision of its impressive Building Control software solution to South Thames Gateway Building Control who provide the building control service for Medway, Swale and Gravesham Councils.

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