Introduction

The PARSOL e-gov project has developed a range of guidelines, benchmarks, schemas, systems and toolkits to assist Local Authorities in building effective and transparent online planning and regulatory systems.

Why is PARSOL important?
PARSOL has developed the groundwork to help local authorties put in place the necessary framework and processes to provide better, faster, more accurate information and services, and start the process of enabling real time online transactions between the public and local authority planning and regulatory Services. The project deliverables are available free of charge to local authorities and there will be a series of implementation and guidance toolkits plus demonstrator sites to help illustrate technical implementation issues.

Who is PARSOL for?
Local Authorities
PARSOL products have been developed by a team of local authorities working for the benefit of the other local authorities in England. They cover the key areas of planning, environmental health, trading standards, building control and information technology. The aim is to promote open, efficient and transparent planning and regulatory services in the light of the Government BVPI target deadlines to bring online access to information and processes in the planning and regulatory services environment.

What will PARSOL help you to deliver?
Efficiency
Department managers will find tools that will help them run a more efficient and cost-effective department that enables improvement in the deployment of professional resources.

Services Provision
Online systems can provide end users with speedier access to information for end users about the planning and regulatory process. This allows online delivery and tracking of applications, complaints and communications allowing councils to concentrate on face to face interaction where it is most needed.

Faster Interaction
Planning and regulatory professionals in the private sector will gain improved access to information regarding applications. This will help generate increased confidence and involvement in the relevant processes.

Government Targets
The public sector is committed to improving openness and transparency in local government and under the government guidelines set out in various BVPI regulations local authorities must have a wide range of services online by 2005. PARSOL can help guide the way through this process.

What does PARSOL deliver?
PARSOL provides a number of tools, schemas, demonstrator systems and benchmarks that will help local authorities to put their services online whilst minimising the need to create bespoke solutions or to buy expensive off the shelf packages. You can see the type of processes required and the steps necessary to implement them in time for the BVPI deadline.

On a practical level, the products delivered by PARSOL can be categorised into the following delivery streams:

• Planning Services – Range of systems including: expert web-based enquiry for “Do I need planning permission?”; enforcement of potential infringements; fast-tracking of applications from accredited planning agents; monitoring of local, regional and national data to inform policy. Plus the e-Planning Service Delivery Standards and associated Quick Assessment Guide.
  
  
• Regulatory Services – Range of systems including: online web-based software to handle submission and processing of licence applications; online business self assessment of regulatory compliance; online regulation guidance tailored to chosen business type.
  
  
• PARSOL Exchange – Centrally hosted service for electronic exchange of information with pilot implementations handling planning application consultation plus publication and audit of Local Development Plans.
  
  
• Research Materials – Range or materials including the ICT Usage Survey; Best Practice Review and Local Authority Web Site Review (all covering planning and regulatory systems). Plus expert research on use of mobile technology and knowledge management tools within these service areas.
  
  
• Implementation and Guidance Toolkits – Range of practical guidance on the implementation of all PARSOL products and related services. Includes business case details, benefits, implementation options, technical notes and lessons learnt from pilot implementations. Also includes general guidance on e-service implementation (regardless of product).
  

If you would like to download any of the products mentioned on this page or link through to sample operational sites then please visit the PARSOL Deliverables page. Certain downloads will require that you accept legal terms and conditions.