7 December 2005

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has announced funding of £135 million to help support the development of e-government.

Local Planning Authorities have been allocated the funds as part of the Planning Delivery Grant (PDG) to help enable improvements such as online planning applications and provision.

The funds will be used by 25 local authorities across the UK to develop increased e-planning facilities and IT resources as well as boosting staff training schemes.

"A well-resourced local planning system is vital to delivering sustainable communities," said ODPM minister Baroness Andrews.

"The £135 million next year will have a major impact on planning services both in improving their performance and in raising the profile of planning departments within local authorities.

"Since 2003 we have now allocated some £350 million and independent research has shown that the grant is delivering real improvements in performance on the ground and is being invested in vital services," she added.

It is expected that more funding will be made available next year to support similar developments within Regional Planning Bodies and the Planning Advisory Service.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.