Our profile

Looking Local is a national portal offering access to local government and relevant related services on digital interactive TV, mobile phones, kiosks and Internet enabled consumer electronics such as the Nintendo Wii. Looking Local has been developing a national solution for these platforms for over six years and squarely has the non-Internet, digitally divided homes and citizens in mind.

Originating from the DCLG's Local e-Gov programme, Looking Local is wholly owned and run by Kirklees Council on behalf of all of local government and its partners. Via the 80 local authorities and partners we have on board, millions of people are already using Looking Local to access local government services, everything from housing benefit accounts and choice based lettings to 'what's on' information - and all that is in between. We have partnerships with national organisations like Jobcentre Plus and Transport Direct, as well as health and legal services all of which is accessible for free without people needing to know how to use a PC or the web.

Looking Local is available on all Sky, Virgin and broadband connected Freeview boxes, so already 55% of households - nearly 13 million homes - have access to real time, interactive government services. Now that the Digital Switchover Helpscheme has designated that all boxes in phase one will have a return path, all people over 75 who will benefit from the Helpscheme will all have access to DiTV and thus Looking Local. Switchover gives us a fantastic opportunity to deliver useful services to many people who do not and will not have Internet or PC access or the ability and/or confidence to use it, but who are happy and able with a TV and remote control.

Imagine the scenario when Mrs. Smith, 76 years old, who does not have PC - and doesn't want one - can use her TV remote to find out when her next community centre session is, book online for the lunch they are offering and order transport to the centre. After which she can confirm that her doctors appointment is still valid, her repeat prescription is ordered and her bins will be collected later. All of this is possible today and new services are in the pipeline.

Awards

Local e-Government excellence 2008
Take Up & Usage (Commended)