Northgate actively engages in public policy debate and exchange. We see this as an integral part of our responsibility as a business to contribute to economic and social improvement.

Please click on the links below to read our responses.

Northgate calls for end to ‘winner takes all’ Planning Delivery Grant allocations
Parliamentary Administration Committee inquiry into Information and Communications Technology
Sustainable Schools: For pupils, communities and the environment
Sustainable Schools: For pupils, communities and the environment
A Shared Approach to Building a Better Scotland
The Co-ordinated Online Record of Electors (CORE) - The implementation of national access arrangements
Inspection reform: the future of local services inspection
Transformational Government Enabled by Technology
Defra draft guidance on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
Youth Matters
West Midlands ICT Strategy
Draft National FRS Learning and Development Strategy for England
Planning for housing provision
Independence, Well-being and Choice: The future of adult social care
Supporting safer, stronger communities: consultation on community justice authorities
e-GIF Technical Standards 6.2 consultation
Supporting Police, Protecting Communities
Draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland
Have your say on how we can improve local health services - healthcare commission
Improving service delivery for disadvantaged adults - SEU reponse
Hampton review of regulatory inspection and enforcement
White paper on policing
Link-Age
Defra Clean Neighbourhoods
Home Affairs Committee inquiry into Anti-social Behaviour
Hampton review of regulatory enforcement
Future of Fire Service Control Rooms in Scotland
The Big Conversation
Scottish Summary Justice Review consultation response
DEFRA consultation on fly-tipping
Northern Ireland Office consultation on tackling anti-social behaviour
Draft Fire and Rescue Services national framework
Scottish Communities Committee inquiry into anti-social behaviour
Police Green Paper
Environmental Audit Committee enquiry
Consultation on the education-related provisions of the anti-social behaviour bill
Children's Green Paper response
Cabinet Office efficiency review
Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme
Transport committee inquiry into road traffic offences
Protecting the City Environment - London Assembly Environment Committee investigation
Register of County Court judgements
Putting communities first - Scottish anti-social behaviour consultation
Strategic thinking work in progress: Health & Safety Executive consultation
Futurebuilders an investment fund for voluntary and community sector public service delivery

Planning Delivery Grant: proposed allocations criteria 2007-8 [TOP]

In a response to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Planning Delivery Grant: proposed allocations criteria 2007-8 consultation, Northgate has called for an end to the ‘winner takes all’ grant allocations. Northgate’s response outlines how the government’s proposed method for assessing Planning Delivery Grant (PDG) allocations is stacked in favour of wealthier local authorities and could widen the digital divide.

Parliamentary Administration Committee inquiry into Information and Communications Technology [TOP]

In a response to the Parliamentary Administration Committee's inquiry into Information and Communications Technology, Northgate underlined the need for people-centered approach, the potential for enhancing democratic engagement, and the requirements of effective change management.

Sustainable Schools: For pupils, communities and the environment [TOP]

The Scottish Executive opened its consultation on public services, Transforming Public Services: the next phase of reform, in May 2006. In a response and press release, Northgate Information Solutions has said that the transformation of public services in Scotland is best achieved through the full engagement of all stakeholders. Northgate welcomed the emphasis on collaboration with and between public, private and voluntary sector partners, and in the response suggests that consideration of new forms of partnership and shared services will further support the Executive s vision of user-focused services.

The Department for Education and Skills opened its consultation on sustainable schools, Sustainable Schools: For pupils, communities and the environment, in May 2006. In a response and press release, Northgate Information Solutions has welcomed the establishment of a framework for sustainable schools - but notes that how schools are designed, built and maintained is pivotal to delivering the vision. Northgate's response focuses on the value of integrating sustainable development into education and the opportunity for technology to support the full engagement of schools and people living and working around them.

A Shared Approach to Building a Better Scotland [TOP]
The Scottish Executive opened its consultation on shared services in Scotland, A Shared Approach to Building a Better Scotland, in April 2006.

In a response and press release, Northgate Information Solutions have said that Scotland may be uniquely placed to pioneer a world-class shared services strategy, but in order to ensure success, there must service transformation rather than cost-cutting to underpin the strategy's development. Northgate also suggests further areas, such as education, where shared services could support delivery.

The Co-ordinated Online Record of Electors (CORE) - The implementation of national access arrangements [TOP]
In a response to the Department of Constitutional Affairs' consultation on the development of the Co-ordinated Online Record of Electors (CORE), Northgate called for accurate data to maintain the integrity of the system and sustain public trust.

Inspection reform: the future of local services inspection [TOP]
In a response to the ODPM's consultation on inspection reform, Northgate welcomed the move towards a much-needed focus on inspecting joined up outcomes and improvement in local service delivery, and called for greater emphasis to be placed on using citizens' perceptions and experience of local services to drive performance improvement.

Transformational Government Enabled by Technology [TOP]
In a response to the governent's draft IT strategy, Transformational Government, Northgate welcomed the step-change in approach as leading to improved planning across public services and the more effective management of IT-enabled change.

Defra draft guidance on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 [TOP]
In its response to the Defra consultation on the draft guidance for the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, Northgate Information Solutions has provided detailed comment on the expanded use of penalty notices. Northgate warmly welcomes the consultation's emphasis on education and communication with the public as an integral part of enforcement. It calls upon local authorities to develop council-wide enforcement strategies in collaboration with local partners.

Youth Matters [TOP]
In a response to the consultation on the Department of Education and Skills' Youth Matters green paper, Northgate has said that action to tackle the digital divide should be at the heart of government policy on young people. Click here to read the related press release.

West Midlands ICT Strategy [TOP]
In a response to the consultation on the draft West Midlands ICT Strategy, issued by Advantage West Midlands, Northgate has said enabling businesses and citizens across the West Midlands to enjoy the full benefit of ICT is essential to success in the region. Click here to read the related press release.

Draft National FRS Learning and Development Strategy for England [TOP]
The OPDM opened their consultation on the Draft FRS Learning and Development Strategy on 23rd June 2005. In a response and press release, Northgate Information Solutions have said that effective leadership is the key to unlocking the potential of the fire and rescue services, and have welcomed the establishment of a Centre for Leadership to facilitate skills development in this area.

Planning for housing provision [TOP]
In a response to the ODPM's consultation on planning for housing provision, Northgate called for increased multi-agency working to deliver an efficient and effective planning process, and welcomed the greater involvement of Registered Social Landlords. Please click here to read the related press release.

Independence, Well-being and Choice: The future of adult social care [TOP]
In a response to the Department of Health's consultation on the adult social care green paper, 'Independence, Well-being and Choice', Northgate welcomed the focus on improving partnership working within and between public authorities and the voluntary sector in delivering services tailored to individual need. Click here to read the related press release.

Supporting safer, stronger communities: consultation on community justice authorities [TOP]
In a response to the Scottish Executive Justice Department's consultation on supporting safer, stronger communities, Northgate warmly welcomed the Scottish Executive's proposals to develop a criminal justice clearly focused on reducing re-offending, and called for a multi-agency approach involving statutory agencies, the not-for-profit sector and the private sector where applicable.

e-GIF Technical Standards 6.2 consultation [TOP]
The e-GIF Technical Standards 6.2 consultation was opened on the 6th May 2005. Northgate's response and press release called on the government to consider undertaking further research on the accessibility of e-government services for disabled people.

Supporting Police, Protecting Communities [TOP]
The Scottish Executive Justice Department issued its Supporting Police, Protecting Communities consultation in early 2005. Northgate's response and press release called for an holistic approach to, and regular review of, the resources available to the police service in Scotland.

Draft Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland [TOP]
The Scottish Executive launched its consultation on a draft fire and rescue framework for Scotland in January 2005.

Northgate's response and press release called for an integrated approach to the use of information and resources to ensure effective decision-making.

Have your say on how we can improve local health services - healthcare commission [TOP]
Have your say on how we can improve local health services Northgate Information Solutions' response February 2005.

Improving service delivery for disadvantaged adults - SEU reponse [TOP]
Improving service delivery for disadvantaged adults Northgate Information Solutions' response February 2005.

Hampton review of regulatory inspection and enforcement [TOP]
The Hampton review of regulatory inspection and enforcement Northgate Information Solutions' response February 2005.

White paper on policing [TOP]
Building Communities, Beating Crime: a better police service for the 21st century Northgate Information Solutions' response February 2005.

Link-Age [TOP]
Developing networks of services for older people Northgate Information Solutions' response November 2004.

Defra Clean Neighbourhoods [TOP]
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs issued its Clean Neighbourhoods consultation in July 2004. Northgate's response welcomed Defra's holistic approach, using penalty notices to tackle minor corporate crime as well as that committed by individuals, and called for a new law to guarantee fair enforcement.

Home Affairs Committee inquiry into Anti-social Behaviour [TOP]
The Home Affairs Committee announced its inquiry into Anti-social Behaviour in July 2004. Northgate's submission focused on three areas: the use of penalty notices as enforcement tools; the roles and responsibilities of the private sector in relation to anti-social behaviour; and the need to promote multi-agency working.

Hampton review of regulatory enforcement [TOP]
The Chancellor announced a review of regulatory enforcement in the 2004 Budget. The Hampton review was established to look at the interaction between business and regulators. Northgate's response to the review recommended that penalty notices be considered as an additional enforcement tool for ensuring regulatory compliance.

Future of Fire Service Control Rooms in Scotland [TOP]
The Scottish Executive issued a consultation on the recommendations of Mott MacDonald's report on the future of Scottish fire control rooms in July 2004. In our response and press release we call for the introduction of a national system for Scotland in order to harness of benefits of local knowledge and resource deployment.

The Big Conversation [TOP]
Northgate's response to the Labour Party's 'Big Conversation' focuses on the importance of partnership working to deliver citizen-centred public services. Information technology can support this process, enabling employees at all levels to make informed decisions and manage risk effectively.

Scottish Summary Justice Review consultation response [TOP]
In March 2004 the Summary Justice Review Committee, set up by the Scottish Executive in 2001, published its report and recommendations to Ministers. Northgate's response to the Scottish Executive's subsequent consultation focuses on the proposal to extend the use of penalty notices, recommending that the Executive brings forward a Scottish Penalty Notices Act to ensure their proportionate and equitable use.

Scottish Executive Consultation on performance management for health professionals [TOP]
The Scottish Executive published a consultation paper on managing poor performance of health professionals in NHS Scotland in February 2004, including proposals for a framework of guidance and a central resource within NHS Scotland.

In our response and press release, we call for a holistic approach to performance management, based on accurate data and the effective management of risk.

DEFRA consultation on fly-tipping [TOP]
DEFRA published a consultation paper on fly-tipping in February 2004, including proposals for additional enforcement measures and effective information management.

In our response and press release, we welcomed the consultation's focus on developing a national database for fly-tipping, but called for the extension of this to all environmental crime.

Northern Ireland Office consultation on tackling anti-social behaviour [TOP]
The consultation was launched in January, seeking views on the introduction of a range of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland.

Northgate's response and press release recommended that penalty notices be introduced as an additional enforcement option for public authorities, helping to close the enforcement gap by dealing effectively and proportionately with minor offences.

Draft Fire and Rescue Services national framework [TOP]
The ODPM launched a consultation on the draft fire and rescue services national framework in December 2003, setting out the aims for the service along with the support it would provide to achieve these aims.

In our response and press release, we outline the need for a clear multi-agency approach to community fire safety, based on the "3 Ps" : Partnership - ensuring that a range of public services work together to tackle fire and fire safety, Prediction - based on a thorough understanding of risk and the sharing of accurate Information, and Prevention - connecting to citizens and their communities through education and information.

Scottish Communities Committee inquiry into anti-social behaviour [TOP]
The Scottish Parliament Communities Committee inquiry into the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Bill was launched in November 2003.

Our response and press release calls for the publication of mandatory guidance to encourage best practice in penalty notice enforcement. The guidance should provide that public authorities review their enforcement systems to ensure compliance with discrimination and human rights law. The response also recommends that public information campaigns accompany any extended use of penalty notices to remind citizens of their rights and responsibilities and prepare them for any changes in law. Northgate would like to see both a duty to inform the public and the publication of mandatory guidance placed on the face of the bill.

Police Green Paper [TOP]
The police green paper, Building Safer Communities, was launched in November 2003 and set out the government's proposals for further reform of the police service.

Our response and press release welcomes the green paper as an important step towards delivering a citizen-centred police service. New technology can transform community justice by redefining the relationship between the service and the citizen. However, the response warns that change management strategies must be put in place before technology can add value.

Environmental Audit Committee enquiry [TOP]
In December 2003, the Environmental Audit Committee launched an enquiry into environmental crime and sentencing.

In our response and press release, we call for penalty notices to be issued to individuals and corporates committing environmental offences. The submission also recommends that any extended use of penalty notices must take place as part of a comprehensive education and enforcement programme, with clear standards set for the quality of enforcement.

Consultation on the education-related provisions of the anti-social behaviour bill [TOP]
In October 2003, the DfES and Home Office consulted on the truancy provisions contained within the Anti-social Behaviour Bill (now Act).

In our response and press release, we call on the government to give more flexibility to local authorities to distinguish between individuals who can't and won't pay penalty notices. We also propose the strengthening of public education campaigns and the publication of more detailed guidance on human rights and discrimination.

Children's Green Paper response - 'Every Child Matters' [TOP]
In November 2003, Northgate Information Solutions has produced a Children's Green Paper response entitled 'Every Child Matters'.

In our response and press release, we warmly welcome the government's green paper on children at risk. Few individuals or organisations could have been left untouched by the news of the tragic death of Victoria Climbie and the profound failure of society to protect her. Lord Laming's report clearly demonstrates that poor information sharing and a failure to take responsibility by any one agency lay at the heart of the system's failure.

Cabinet Office efficiency review [TOP]
The Cabinet Office launched its efficiency review on 20th October 2003, seeking views on how public service resources to the front line can be increased.

In our response and press release, we welcome the Department's focus on the citzen as service user. When new technology provides improved services, it may lead to increased public demand, and we would like to see a 'whole-benefit' evaluation to ensure that cost savings are not bought at the expense of quality services.

Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme [TOP]
The Department of Transport published a consultation on the railway safety accreditation scheme in August 2003.

In our response and press release we welcome the additional powers available to the British Transport Police, but call for employee health and safety to be placed at the heart of the scheme's operation. We recommend that the Chief Constable should have a duty to ensure that employers maintain satisfactory arrangements for carrying out regular health and safety risk assessments, and we would like to see the publication of mandatory guidance on the use of penalty notices to encourage best practice.

Transport committee inquiry into road traffic offences [TOP]
The Transport committee launched an inquiry into the law relating to road traffic offences in July 2003.

In our response we recommend that consideration be given to extending the use of penalty notices and charges for minor road traffic offences. These powers should be granted to the wider police 'family' in order to free up officers' time to focus on road safety and dangerous driving. A further review should also consider whether there are any offences that should be decriminalised and administered directly by local authorities.

Protecting the City Environment - London Assembly Environment Committee investigation [TOP]
In July 2003, the Assembly began a seven-month scrutiny into the problems and consequences of graffiti, fly-posting, fly-tipping and dumping, abandoned vehicles, and litter in London. These minor offences have a major effect on the quality of life of London's citizens, employees and visitors.

In our response and press release we call for a city-wide campaign to promote community well-being and environmental quality based on fair but firm enforcement. Penalty notices can be an effective additional tool for local authorities in tacking minor nuisance, provided the appropriate safeguards and systems are in place. Click here to see our penalty notice guidance for local authorities.

Register of County Court judgements [TOP]
The Department for Constitutional Affairs issued a consultation in July 2003 on improving the current register of county court judgements.

In our response, we suggest that the department should consider the possibilities of using a new incremental partnership to deliver the proposed unified register of county court judgements and high court fines and to provide a more powerful tool in which consumers could check up upon rogue traders.

Putting communities first - Scottish anti-social behaviour consultation [TOP]
The Scottish Executive published its proposals for tackling anti-social behaviour in July 2003.

Our response and press release highlight the need to ensure fair and proportionate practice in penalty notice enforcement. We also recommend that the Executive undertakes a comprehensive review of all areas of law enforcement to consider whether penalty notices can be as an alternative form of administrative enforcement, taking the strain off the courts. We highlight countries that such as Australia and New Zealand who are adopting this approach. Click here to see our penalty notice guidance for local authorities.

Strategic thinking work in progress: Health & Safety Executive consultation [TOP]
In August 2003, we submitted a response to the HSE's consultation on its future strategy.

Occupational health and safety is an integral part of community well-being, and fair and effective enforcement is essential to raise the profile of health and safety and to get employers to take their responsibility for this matter seriously. This applies equally to low-level offences, which through lack of resources may rarely be tackled. We believe that the government should consider extending the power to issue penalty notices to the health and safety executive and local government environmental health officers as a means of preventing escalation and deterring offenders.

Futurebuilders an investment fund for voluntary and community sector public service delivery [TOP]
Launched in April 2003, the Treasury's consultation paper requested views on how to use the £125m futurebuilders fund.

In our response, we acknowledge the important contribution made by the sector in delivering community well-being and social justice, and welcome the fund's provision for new technology. We would like to see a closer relationship between the public, private and voluntary sectors to improve the delivery of citizen-focused services harnessing the technical expertise of business alongside the close community links of the voluntary sector.