Data strategy 'will help make residents' lives better'

The Council’s new data strategy, which was approved by the Executive, will make it easier for information to be shared across the Council, reducing the need for residents to repeat themselves to different departments.

The strategy will also lead to improved efficiency at the Council, as well as supporting timely decision-making by having access to relevant information.

Cllr Jo Harding, Executive Member for Finance, Change and Governance, said:

“I’m delighted we have approved our new data strategy. At a time of financial hardship, it will help save money and make our residents’ lives better.”

Data helps the Council make good decisions to improve services and the lives of residents. For instance, vaping awareness will take place in schools after a survey in Trafford revealed around one fifth of children and young people, from as young as 10, have either tried vaping or do so on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, the Council has donated dozens of computers to pupils after data from schools revealed some children were struggling to get online.

Cllr Harding said:

“We want to make sure we can provide the right services at the right times in the right areas so our residents will benefit.”

The data strategy is based on acquiring quality data, training staff to use data well, building databases that allow departments to see relevant and appropriate data, and making sure the management of data is robust and accountable.

Cllr Harding said:

“People can be assured that they can come to us with confidence. When they need support, we will use data to make sure the whole process will be easy and straightforward so that they will receive the best support possible.”