30 July 2008

Dear Mr Pollard,

FOI REQUEST: LOCAL PRIORITIES WEBSITE

I am writing in response to your request for information of 1 July about the Local Priorities Website. Your request has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I can confirm that Communities and Local Government does hold the information that you have requested and that I am able to provide you with the following relevant information extracted from documentation:

1) The intended purpose of the website (e.g. briefings or specifications for third party contractors bidding to establish and maintain the website).

The following information explains the intended purpose of the website at the time of its development including the minimum requirements.

Background

Currently there are various websites where one can get data and information about a place, including: DirectGov; Audit Commission; Local Government Performance (BVPI).

Issue

For the LAA signoff we need a `one-stop' web resource suitable for a range of audiences including the general public, journalists, academics and researchers, central government and local government. This will also provide transparency.

The website/microsite should provide statistics and data, but also the `softer' intelligence about a place. This needs to be bright, appealing, easily navigable and build credibility for timeliness and accuracy so that over time it is the web resource of choice for a range of audiences.

The microsite will need to:

The commitment is to publish a database on the CLG web site giving details of LAA targets for all 150 local authorities in England. The timing of which is to be live to the general public on 30 June 2008.

Key additional microsite requirements:

Detailed requirements

• A website within the CLG corporate domain that allows members of the public to view which of the 198 national indicators have been set as target in each of the 150 LAAs.

• Users should be able to find their LAA by selecting the Local Authority within which they live from an easily searchable list.

• A list of target names (not values) will be provided on a per LAA basis for view and download.

• Links will be provided to the location of the LAA contract documents (where available) and to the FTI analytical website.

• The website must be fully tested and deployed before June 30th, when the Secretary of State will announce the launch of the LAAs. CLG require the site to be visually appealing and user-friendly, and to include additional features that may arise during our development.

2) Description of future improvements to the website (e.g. a high level plan or specification describing any new features intended for the website in future).

Future improvements are currently under review.

3) The department's high level budget for the establishment of the

website, including internal and third party resources.

The high level budget, including internal and third party resources was, £70,000.

4) The department's high level budget for the ongoing maintenance

the website, including internal and third party resources.

On-going maintenance will be absorbed into the on-going running costs of the Data Interchange Hub and so is not disaggregated for the Local Priorities site.

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained in the enclosed leaflet. This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the authority's review

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely,

JANE TODOROVIC