Daily Research News Online no. 1606 - KPMG e-Government Survey

KPMG e-Government Survey

May 8 2002

Our enthusiasm for e-government appears to be on the rise according to a new survey released by KPMG Consulting. In a repeat of its February 2001 study, KPMG's research shows that two-thirds of Brits would now like at least one local service available for interaction online.

Initially looking at levels of connectedness, the new figures reveal that half the British population now has access to the Internet at home or work. This level is up significantly from the 44% mark of last year. More folk have access at home than at work still in 2002, with only nearing a quarter of the population getting online from their workplace. The data also shows that a further 27% of those without online access at home or work predict they will be online in three years' time. Such a shift would bring overall Internet access up to 63% by 2005.

Residents are increasingly looking forward to a wired local government. When asked about preferences in their choice of media for dealing with the services in the near future (3 years time), respondents viewed new media favourably. The most popular option emerged as being via a traditional call centre (30%), followed by via the Net (19%), a local office (15%) and through the Post Office (10%).

Respondents' vision for an electronic future was perhaps clearer when questioned as to specific activities. When asked which activities they would be prepared to do electronically, nearly three fifths (57%) of all adults thought they would choose to carry out a local government activity electronically.

The study also reveals that just over a third claimed that they would vote in a local council or general election (38%); apply for/renew a passport (37%); book an appointment with a GP (37%);get health information via NHS Direct (37%); renew their car tax (36%); notify their council of a fault (35%); or renew their TV licence (34%). Less encouragingly, a third (31%) stated that they would not expect to interact electronically at all.

The KPMG research was conducted by MORI, interviewing 2,028 adults aged 16+ in their homes during February 21 to 26, 2002. Comparisons were made with the 2001 KPMG e-Government survey, conducted by MORI between February 15 and 20, 2001.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.