9 May 2006

A programme has been launched by the newly formed Department for Communities and Local Government to get more people using council services through the Internet.

A number of online services and tools will be used to encourage people to go to their local council website so they can benefit from quickly making payments such as council tax and instantly finding out information on council-run events and services.

According to government research, the standard of England's council services is among the best in Europe but they could be used more often in many places.

With more than 13 million people visiting council websites each month, the government believes the Internet will greatly help the drive to improve council service usage.

Parliamentary under secretary of state Angela Smith said: "Our experience is that people already welcome the convenience of accessing council services online and the time this saves them in their busy lifestyles.

"Today's launch is designed to raise wider awareness, and encourage even more people to connect with their local council online."

© Adfero Ltd

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