Photos: iPhone apps that save the government millions

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Parking and hygiene apps prove their worth in more ways than one...

Apps on smartphones and on the web are helping to reduce the cost of delivering services to the taxpayer, according to a report by the Local Government Association (LGA).

The LGA report looked at how councils are using apps and other technologies to allow residents to do everything from reporting vandalism to finding out how clean a restaurant is.

The report cited a number of apps - along with other technological innovations within councils, such as using GPS tracking to provide real-time updates for bus timetables - for increasing productivity at local authorities to the tune of £230m.

One of the apps studied by the report's authors was Love Clean Streets (pictured above), which is available for Apple iPhone, Windows Mobile and as a web app. The app allows Londoners to easily report graffiti, vandalism and fly-tipping in their neighbourhood.

Residents can take a picture of the offending item using their phone's camera and then use the app to upload the picture, and a description of where it is, to the Love Clean Streets website, where it can be brought to the attention of the council.

The Love Clean Streets website and app can also be used to track how an environmental complaint is being dealt with by a local authority.

Love Clean Streets is inspired by a similar project called Love Lewisham, started by Lewisham Council.

You can find out more about the Love Clean Streets app here.

Published: September 7, 2010 -- 13:43 GMT (06:43 PDT)
Photo by: Love Clean Streets/iTunes

Caption by: Nick Heath
Ever wondered whether a fast-food joint is a bit ropey or a swanky restaurant is worth shelling out for? Then check out the Scores on the Doors augmented reality iPhone app and website.

Diners use the phone's camera to view their chosen eatery and the app overlays ratings from the local council's hygiene inspectors. The location-based app works by using the iPhone's built in location hardware - such as its compass - to determine which business the mobile user is looking at.

Hygiene reports are available in areas where local councils have made reports available, with 122 councils now contributing information about more than 141,000 premises. The app and the website can also be used to search for hygiene reports by business name or address, as shown above.

The creators of the Scores on the Doors service claim it has reduced the cost to councils of policing hygiene at food outlets by helping to raise average hygiene scores - meaning fewer inspections are required.

You can find out more about the Scores on the Doors app here.

Published: September 7, 2010 -- 13:43 GMT (06:43 PDT)
Photo by: Scores on the Doors/iTunes

Caption by: Nick Heath
The MiPermit app enables people to pay for parking using their phone.

Users create an account with MiPermit, enter the location where they are parking and how long they want to park for - and the app will automatically debit their account.

The app can be used to pay for parking at a number of council and privately controlled car parks and parking spaces in the UK, including spaces owned by Gloucestershire County and Gloucester City Council.

You can find out more about the MiPermit app here.

Published: September 7, 2010 -- 13:43 GMT (06:43 PDT)
Photo by: MiPermit/iTunes

Caption by: Nick Heath
The My South Tyneside web app provides residents with news and information on local facilities and services.

Residents type in their postcode or address and the app, which is hosted on the South Tyneside Council website, will display information about their local councillor, local news, rubbish collection times, addresses for facilities such as schools and libraries, and lists of nearby planning applications and job vacancies.

The LGA report estimates that the council was able to save up to £146,669 by answering queries via the online service rather than dealing with enquiries by telephone or face-to-face.

You can find out more about the My South Tyneside web app here.

Published: September 7, 2010 -- 13:43 GMT (06:43 PDT)
Photo by: South Tyneside Council

Caption by: Nick Heath
Anyone looking for a good day out in Hampshire can discover what the county has to offer by downloading the Hampshire app.

The app provides information on nearby attractions and facilities, including museums, country parks, art centres and libraries.

You can find out more about the Hampshire app here.

Published: September 7, 2010 -- 13:43 GMT (06:43 PDT)
Photo by: Hampshire County Council/iTunes

Caption by: Nick Heath