In an effort to accelerate the slow progress towards online availability of local authority services, the Government is making £25m available in this financial year for around 15-20 'pathfinder' authorities.

Subsequent funding, for which all councils will be eligible, is £135m in 2002/3, and £190m for 2003/4. The Government wants to see all local services that can be delivered electronically online by 2005.

A joint announcement by Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong and Local Government Association Chair Sir Jeremy Beecham, said: "Our aim is to identify between 15 and 20 pathfinders to develop e-government initiatives and to be a centre of expertise from which all local government can learn.

"We would particularly welcome expressions of interest from partnerships involving councils and others working together to provide electronic service delivery."

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5 March.

Richard Byatt

Delivering Local Government Online: Milestones and Resources for the 2005 Target is available online at www.socitm.gov.uk