IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

E-government in Scotland has taken a major leap forward with the unveiling of a GBP39.5m (E61.69m)programme of innovative public sector partnership projects. The Scottish Executive has announced details of 92 projects which will receive financial support under the second round of its Modernising Government Fund.

The Fund is designed to help take forward projects that will improve public services through the use of information and communications technology and promote joined-up working.

The successful bids include:

• GBP5.4m (E8.43m)for the national rollout of a smartcard enabling young people to access a range of services
• GBP4.7m (E7.34m) to support local authorities developing Citizen Relationship Management systems
• GBP2m (E3.12m)to develop a data-sharing citizens portal providing the base for the further development of a citizens account, and
• GBP4m (E6.24m) to help establish a national land and property database for Scotland.

In April the Executive announced a doubling of the funding allocation for MGF2 to GBP30m (E46.87m) following an “unprecedented” response from councils wishing to submit proposals. Demand on the fund was initially GBP49.5m (E77.33m), which was later reduced by GBP10m (E15.62m) when bidders were encouraged to form partnerships, develop common projects and deliver economies of scale, the Executive said.

Andy Kerr, Scotland’s Minister for Finance and Public Services announced last month that an extra GBP30m (E46.87m) for customer-focused public services would be made available under the third round of the Modernising Government Fund, covering the period 2004-06.

Quelle: europemedia