§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what action his Department recently has taken to promote good practice in the creation and development of local authority websites; [19061]
(2) what measures he has taken to ensure that local authority websites are accessible to those with a range of disabilities; and which organisations have been consulted. [19062]
§ Dr. WhiteheadWe have made available £350 million of funding as part of our drive to ensure that all local authorities achieve 100 per cent. electronic service delivery capability by 2005. In 2001–02 this funding is being used to support 24 local authority pathfinders (with a further pathfinder being funded under the Invest to Save Budget) in a programme of innovation and shared learning. Many of the pathfinders are developing interactive websites, which other councils can then use as a model to create their own.
We are also in the process of developing guidance for local authorities on how they design their websites. This guidance will cover accessibility for people with disabilities, and we will consult widely when the draft document is published next year.