10 November 2006

The government is planning to focus on web accessibility in a major £14.5 billion project in the next few years.

Ministers have recognised that the Internet and e-government services should be available to all members of the community, eGov monitor reports.

Large companies, such as BT and Microsoft, are to meet with ten local councils in order to decide how the funding can be used to tackle digital exclusion.

Angela Smith, minister for e-government, said: "Increasingly businesses in sectors like construction and retail are looking to help us tackle digital exclusion and make services open and available to everyone, regardless of location, mobility or language.

She added that the initiative, named Digital Challenge, would transform the way in which traditionally excluded individuals - such as those with visual or motor impairments - can access services online.

Web accessibility will also be the focus of a number of European Commission initiatives, including the Riga Ministerial Declaration which is designed to tackle digital exclusion.

© Adfero Ltd

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