Workshop: Talk about local: what does the rise of local community sites mean for council online communication?
Chair: Vicky Sargent, Boilerhouse
Panellist: William Perrin, Founder, Talk About Local

In the era of Web 1.0, councils sometimes provided a web publishing platform for local community groups. Now, with the advent of free, easy to use web publishing tools, and huge growth in internet usage, communities don't need this sort of help any more, and are seizing the opportunity to get their own, independent, online voice. Good sites are empowering for communities, supporting NI4 but are a challenge to established Council communication practice.

What does this mean for the council website and online communications? How should councils relate to hyperlocal sites that may agree and disagree with council policy (or both)? How can councils help communities create independent sites while avoiding liability for problem or 'Big Brother' accusations? Is collaboration feasible, and might it increase the reach of council information and services?

Guest speaker at this workshop is William Perrin, the force behind 'Talk About Local' a new, Channel 4 funded project to help people start up and run community websites able to influence events in the places in which they live, work or play. William previously commissioned the Power of Information work in the Cabinet Office and was Tony Blair's technology policy advisor.