The warning about 'e-government' – or 'electronic' government' – emerged as the estimated cost of one part of Norfolk County Council's own project – a new computer system to monitor finances – had risen from an estimate of £1m in 1999 to £3.6m today.
Concerns are also emerging about how the cost of the council's overall e-government project will be met – it is £5.6m in 2003-04.
The council's partner company, Capita, has decided it cannot complete the project as a private finance deal as first planned, and an alternative way of funding the changes is needed.
The centrepiece of the scheme is a new 'contact centre' which will field questions and problems from the public about council services out of office hours.
Deputy council leader Derek Turnbull said he was sure taxpayers would still get good value for money despite the changes in the way it would be paid for.
But Labour leader Celia Cameron said she was increasingly concerned about the apparent rise in costs at a time when there were growing doubts that the council would complete its e-government project by March next year.
If the council achieved all it planned by March 2004, it would receive a £1m 'reward grant' from the Government.
But the council is not the only authority to face problems.
A year ago, the district auditor aired concerns about a £80m private finance deal for a new computer and telephony system for Norwich City Council – warning that such projects had a "poor history of implementation" and of "high risks" and "material damage"to council services if it failed.
Nevetherless, ministers plan to invest £6bn in e-services by March 2006 to ensure that all government services are available electronically.
But the NAO will point out that many older people believe that "e-services are of no relevance to them".
Today's report will add that while 94pc of 16 to 24-year-olds have used the internet, only 17pc of people aged 65 have.
NAO head Sir John Bourn said: "Older people are major users of public services but, as a section of society, are far less likely to access those services electronically.
"If government is to take full advan-tage of the potential of technology, it must make sure its e-services are accessible to all and work to avoid a 'digital divide'."
Alan Tidmarsh, the county council's e-service director, said a series of pro-jects were already under way to help people use the e-government system. Free internet access was already available in libraries and staff were available to offer advice how to use it.
Quelle: EDP24
