Virgin Media's business broadband subsidiary has highlighted the benefits of public sector bodies investing in technology.

Commercial director at Virgin Media Business Andrew McGrath noted that research from the Local Government Association has found IT spending saved taxpayers £230 million in 2009.

Mr McGrath pointed out that many of these initiatives are focused on giving residents greater access to information and services, thereby reducing the volume of calls made to council helplines.

One example mentioned by the expert is a mobile application allowing citizens to alert council officials to fly-tipping and vandalism by taking a picture.

"By providing information digitally, as well as by phone, councils are able to cut costs, without impacting public services," he wrote on the Virgin Media Business blog.

His comments come after the business broadband firm announced it had connected Stockport Council to a new high-speed network, a move designed to improve services offered to locals.

As a result, council employees across 171 sites will be able to gain remote access to IT services.

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