Local authorities at the cutting edge of IT could be in
line for a share of a new £14m fund to improve e-services, the
government has revealed.The cash forms part of the wider £675m
programme to get all local authority services online by 2005.
Local government minister Phil Hope said,
"This government is committed to improving public services. And
local e-government is all about councils using technology so that
they work better. But we need to look further than 2005.”
"Councils are on the front line of local
government. We want them to be on the front line of technology as
well," he added.
The first round of funding will target
projects that involve sharing information and good practice, staff
development and better use of e-government to improve services,
using e-government to reach people who are socially excluded, and
the innovative use of technology to improve services or internal
business.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will
give local authorities details on how to apply for the funding.