Digital Government Review – Newcastle Road Show
Computer Suite, Newcastle C.A.B, St. Cuthbert’s Chambers, 35 Nelson Street, Newcastle, NE1 5AN
2pm – 4pm Friday 16th May
The Newcastle road show of the Digital Government Review will take place tomorrow 16th May from 2pm until 4pm and will be hosted by the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Shona Alexander, the head of the Newcastle C.A.B, has told Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central that it is clear that many of the problems that their clients face stem from digital exclusion. These can be things like inability to apply for universal credit, or not being able to complete online applications due to language problems. The event therefore has two aims. The first is to understand this practical digital exclusion, and the second is to use ‘people power’ to find out how individuals would alter it.
The event is being kept as straight forward as possible to maximise the amount of people able to respond. At the computer suite at the C.A.B, a tailored online submission form has been set up; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/labourtellusyourstory so that attendees can simply turn up, sit down and tell Chi what they think.
The event will be publicised by The CAB throughout its client base via word of mouth and visual props in the centre. CAB volunteers will be present to assist anyone wanting to set down their views and experiences for the duration of the 2 hour session.
Chi will give a short talk about the valuable work the CAB does in assisting clients in ICT based activities relating to the coalition government’s policies, which have led to 10% of the population being completely digitally excluded. Chi will be talk to constituents about their experiences and frustrations with digital processes.
Nick Brown MP for Newcastle East will also be dropping into the event and is interested to learn about local experiences of accessing online servies.
After the event Chi hopes to have acquired a useful set of personal experiences from residents in Newcastle which will help develop systems to enable people engage with government services online.
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