How Councils Can Use Mobile Apps to Provide a Better Experience for Constituents

Why Mobile? Here's What the Data Shows

Overwhelming Popularity of Mobile Devices: Mobile is undeniably the leading platform in the UK, with smartphones being the device of choice. Impressively, their usage outstrips PCs and laptops by more than twice. It’s clear: if a household has a digital device, it’s more often than not a smartphone.

Digital Time = Smartphone Time: A significant 69% of time spent online is through smartphones. When we account for other mobile devices, like tablets, this number jumps to an even more impressive 83%.

Reaching the Unreached: Particularly for populations that might be considered hard to reach or vulnerable, smartphones are a crucial channel for communication. Lower-income households, interestingly, are even more likely to rely solely on mobile phones for their digital needs.

A Look at Age Groups: There’s a discernible shift when it comes to age demographics. Households, especially those with young children, rely heavily on mobile devices. Just consider managing school updates, monitoring social media activities of children, and accessing key services - it’s clear why mobiles are indispensable.

While the numbers are certainly compelling, the strategic importance of mobile apps extends beyond mere statistics. There’s a very tangible cost-saving and environmental benefit to consider. For councils and public sector organisations, communicating via mobile apps can drastically reduce costs related to printing and postage. Moreover, this digital shift can considerably reduce the carbon footprint - a priority in today's sustainability-driven age.

In summary, Nottinghamshire County Council’s foray into the mobile app space is emblematic of a broader shift within the public sector. By prioritising digital communication and understanding the inherent value of mobile platforms, councils can become more efficient, environmentally friendly, and most importantly, accessible to all their constituents.