A HUB where Worcestershire residents can access council information at the touch of a button is in the pipeline.

Worcestershire County Council's E-Government strategy will enable residents to obtain information on matters involving a variety of different bodies.

At the council's cabinet meeting yesterday it was heard that the £60m initiative would benefit all citizens.

"It's a big bonus for the population of Worcestershire," said Trevor Norton, director of corporate services.

"They will no longer go from pillar to post.

"They'll be able to ring one number and have their council query dealt with."

The Worcestershire hub will involve a one-stop shop where all district and county council queries can be answered.

The E-Government strategy will improve access to all public services through a range of channels.

These are in person, by telephone or through the internet.

It is also designed to improve the quality and cost-efficiency of council systems through better use of technology.

"It's an ambitious programme involving the investment of £60m over the next 10 years," said Mr Norton.

"£7m will be for individual directorates.

"For example, we'll have electronic social care records in social services."

To enable the E-Government strategy to go ahead, a private sector body will be needed to work alongside the council to help.

Three private sector businesses have been short-listed.

"This will be a major step forward," said Coun Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for resources.

"Initially, I though Mr Blair's vision of E-Government was mistaken and part of the dot.com boom.

"If we adopt modern methods of working, the public are ready for this change.

"There's tremendous concern about who does what.

"This programme, where we're giving members of the public a single point of access, will be a great step forward."

Cabinet members agreed that the E-Government strategy should be endorsed, subject to a further report and a fully costed business case in autumn this year.