Search for 'Tech Idol' begins

The government has launched a £9m search for a local council to be held up as a shining example of best practice in e-government.

The winning council will receive £3m from government to put its ideas into practice - along with another £4m in cash or discounted goods and services from industry.

Another 10 lucky regional finalists will bag £200,000 each.

The winning bid will... have to show how IT will offer "new choice, voice and empowerment" to the public, and help them to participate in their communities.

The successful bid will need to provide evidence of a highly focused and effective partnership of public, private, community and voluntary sectors. It should also make a real and significant change for the local community as quickly as possible, the government said.

Local e-government minister Jim Fitzpatrick said in a statement: "I look forward with keen interest to see what kinds of projects will be developed as part of this challenge.

"The Digital Challenge will drive forward improvements in local services and in local e-government."

The winning bid will have to impress in a number of areas. It will have to show how IT will offer "new choice, voice and empowerment" to the public, and help them to participate in their communities.

It should demonstrate "radical" service transformation while proving that, after year one, their initiatives are sustainable and cost effective. The winner must also be prepared to showcase these to other local authorities in years two and three, acting as the UK exemplar.

The Digital Challenge is open to any local authority within England, and initial proposals have to reach the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by 28 April 2006. More information on entering can be found at www.digitalchallenge.gov.uk.

The Digital Challenge winner will be announced in January 2007 and will be expected to start the full implementation of their vision by April 2007.

The winner will have three years in which to establish itself as the exemplar Digital Community by 2010. This must include establishing their vision by year two and acting as a showcase for other local authorities in order to share learning and experiences.