Extending the use of electronic public services beyond the current ‘getting information’ level depends on people feeling that no one can eavesdrop on messages they are sending or get personal data about them by deception. Plans announced by the Central IT Unit in the Cabinet Office aim to ensure that users of electronic services can securely identify themselves to central and local government. 

PLANNINGThe eight month selection process to find the pace setting councils which can be held up as centres of excellence has ended with the announcement of the 42 winners. The councils will hold beacon status until April 2001. Copeland and Halton Borough Councils are facing a heavy programme of visits from colleagues because they are the sole winners of beacon status for the theme of modernising planning. In contrast 17 councils are beacons for sustainable development.