County's website success

The website - eastsussex.gov.uk - is one of only four in the country to achieve the top ranking out of 552 local authority websites surveyed by the Society of IT Managers.

The other three websites to achieve the highest mark were Gloucestershire CC, Salford City and Tameside MBC.

The survey, carried out by the society's reviewers, involved 95 questions plus seven shorter surveys on specific topics.

The East Sussex site has been praised for being easy to use and comprehensive, with transactions well integrated into the site. Special mention was made by the society about the interesting home page, good search facility, excellent links, the A-Z of services, the library system and clear summary of accounts.

County council leader Cllr Peter Jones said: "This is an outstanding result and underlines our commitment to enhance services for our residents. We have been working hard over the last few years to improve our website and make it easier for people to use with relevant information, quick links and an increasing number of transactions that can be completed online. We have one of the best websites in the country - the challenge for us now is to maintain this position."

The site allows people to access council services and carry out transactions online including:

'¢ Report a fault or find roadworks

'¢ Take part in consultations

'¢ Order copies of birth, death and marriage certificates

'¢ Apply for jobs, school places or blue car badges

'¢ Search and reserve library books and publish local events

'¢ Find recycling centres or enquire about music lessons

'¢ Register an interest in adoption and fostering