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Government signals embrace of the power of information

07 June 2007

The Government today received an eagerly awaited report into the ‘Power of Information’ [PDF 280KB, 57 pages] by Tom Steinberg, founder and Director of mySociety, and Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of the National Consumer Council.

Cabinet Office Minister Hilary Armstrong commissioned the report to ensure Government acted as a leader in understanding changes in communication and information technology.

The review has found that by supporting the existing innovation of citizens, with facilitation and greater access to information, government will be creating opportunities to empower individuals and communities to create solutions to improve their lives and make informed decisions.

Hilary Armstrong said:

“Government cannot afford to overlook this phenomenon of citizens changing their lives through their use of information, especially what they find on the internet. We need to support ordinary people to take advantage of these opportunities to build community networks and make informed decisions on issues relating to their day to day lives.

This is a thorough and pioneering piece of work which will give the government a platform to ensure it takes full advantage of new these opportunities sooner rather than later.”

Popular examples of these information services include Tripadvisor, Rightsnet and Netmums.

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of the National Consumer Council said today:

“The rise of the online communities is the story of our day. Their scale echoes the rise and reach of the early mutuals 100 years ago. Information is what holds them together and a more open approach by government to its information can help set them free.”

Tom Steinberg, founder and Director of mySociety said today:

“Around the world, the first phase of Government use of the internet is coming to an end with public services and information largely online. We are now at the start of a new era, where Government starts to learn how to support citizens' own ways of making, finding and re–using information online.”

For further information contact Cabinet Office Press Office on 0207 276 0436.

Notes

1. The full Power of Information report is available at ‘Power of Information’ [PDF 280KB, 57 pages]
2. This report was supported by a secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit.
3. The government response to the Power of Information report was issued on the 25 June 2007.