Almost a third of businesses which currently don’t use local government digital services would like to do so, according to new research.

A report released by supplier EMC found that businesses report they waste an average of 33 working days a year using outdated government digital services.

And 36% of respondents said that said they want clearer digital publication of information relating to local business rates within the next two years.

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James Norman, public sector CIO, EMC UK & Ireland said: “There is an obvious demand for a more digitally focused government and whilst some progress has been made with government digital services, there is still more that can be done in application transformation.

“Businesses need a more efficient way of interacting with government and improving the accessibility of online services is one of them.”

Half of those surveyed said that there is now the right level services online across areas including tax, benefits and local government.

However, 40% wanted to see more online local government services, and a further 38% called for simpler navigation and language across public sector websites.

In the foreword to the report, Mike Beaven, former transformation director at the Government Digital Service, said: “To take the momentum of world class digital public services forward there needs to be a combination of a strong core to set standards, direction and prevent a relapse into old ways of working.

“This needs to be complemented by skills and capability in departments and local authorities. Finally, the digital and tech industry needs to develop a variety of offerings that foster collaboration and sharing around open standards.”

Research was conducted by Opinium Research on behalf of EMC, online, amongst 614 UK business decision makers.