Spending on e-government will rise by 25% or half a billion pounds this year as councils struggle to meet Whitehall...
Spending on e-government will rise by 25% or half a billion pounds this year as councils struggle to meet Whitehall IT targets, according to new figures.
However, IT Trends editor John Serle said virtually all councils now accept that technology can deliver big improvements in services.
The Society of IT Management found local government is planning to spend nearly £2.5bn on technology by the end of this financial year to meet the government's target of having all public services on line by 2005.
The figures were unveiled the week before the ODPM releases a report on progress towards the targets, which is expected to highlight those councils which are lagging.
Socitm's IT Trends report found that only half of councils are confident of meeting the targets and about 20% think it is unlikely they will.
Councils have demonstrated their commitment by doubling their capital investment in equipment, software and services, he said.
'Compared to our figures last year local authorities have grasped the fact that technology can make a massive difference to their performance,' he added.
You might also like...
Leaders warn SEND support 'buckling'
Leaders across Yorkshire & the Humber have warned the system supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is “buckling” and called on the government to act to stem spiralling overspends.
Doubts over social care capacity uncovered in survey
Confidence among leaders and chief executives that their councils have the capacity to deliver adult and children’s social care has plummeted, according to research.
Projected £0.5bn overspend in special educational needs support
Overspends on budgets supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are projected to more than double this year to half a billion pounds, according to research.
LGA urges building for social rent
The government has wasted billions of pounds by failing to invest in homes for social rent, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.