Over 40% of population use web to access government information

Some 42% of the population have used the internet in the past year to access government information and complete government forms or processes online, according to new Ofcom research.

Almost half of the people said they had looked for information online about a government or local council service, or used services such as paying their road tax or registering for Child Tax Credits online.

Among people who have the internet at home the figure rises to 55% who have used these services, but in deprived areas the figures drops to just 15%.

The majority of survey respondents (70% of the online sample, 60% of the general population) said the internet has made it easier to engage in citizen participation activities, such as contacting an MP or signing a petition.

Some 31% were unaware of opportunities for online citizen participation, a figure which jumps to 72% in deprived areas, where trust and confidence were also issues, 46% do not sufficiently trust the internet for civic activities and 40% lack confidence to participate in citizen activities online.

However, the online sample were more likely to trust the internet and participate in citizen activities online just 9% expressed concern in these areas.

Published by: Charlotte McEleny

Published 20th March, 2009

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