Internet services provided by South Oxfordshire District Council have won praise from the Government, and may be used as a blueprint for other councils.

The council's statement on 'e-government' was praised by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dr Nick Hards, cabinet member with responsibility for e-government, said the statement received the highest formal assessment of 'satisfactory'.

The verdict makes the council eligible for a share of the £35m being made available to local government over the next two years. Electronic service delivery is a major platform on the Government's agenda to improve ways in which councils help their public.

The council has introduced on-line and automated telephone payment facilities.

Future developments include making the planning list available on the district council's website - www.southoxon.gov.uk.

After that it wants to give electronic access to planning files and information.

Dr Hards said: "I am glad our progress towards delivering services electronically has been endorsed by the Government.

"We have set up an e-champions group representing all our services and a members' review panel to take this good work forward. What we need now is cash from the Government to help us turn the plans into reality."