1st May 2004

The Scottish Assessors’ Association, responsible for valuation of property for rates across the whole of Scotland, has commissioned Connect to establish a dedicated web portal that provides the public with a single point of access to online information on council tax banding, rateable values and electoral registration. The portal is being developed as part of the Definitive National Addressing Programme, funded by the Scottish Executive’s Modernising Government Fund.

In the first phase of the contract, Connect is working with regional assessors from 14 Scottish councils and valuation joint boards to develop a national online database for over 2.3 million domestic properties and 300,000 non-domestic properties in Scotland. The content managed web portal will initially enable citizens to search an online database for information on council tax and rates in their area, with future enhancements to include the ability to download forms for rating appeals and electoral registration and find relevant information.

Carole Boardman, Public Sector Director of Connect Internet Solutions Limited, comments “Winning this contract once again demonstrates Connect’s expertise in providing large-scale, national projects. We are delighted to be involved in this project which will form a cornerstone of the Scottish Executive’s Modernising Government and Digital Inclusion agendas, putting individuals at the forefront of public service delivery.”