U.K. shells out millions to boost e-gov.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: UP FRONT: News, Trends & Analysis

The U.K. government is spending 5 million [pounds sterling] (about $8.6 million U.S.) to persuade the public to use the electronic services that local authorities have spent billions putting in place, according to Silicon.com.

The "Lose the Queues" campaign--to begin in early 2006--is designed to support the efforts of local authorities by highlighting the benefits of accessing council services online, such as flexibility and convenience.

The government claims the United Kingdom is leading the European Union in terms of the sophistication of public authority...