SWINDON Council's website has been rated as one of the top 15 most improved.

It was given the rating by an independent assessor in this year's review of all UK local authority websites.

Now in its fifth year, the annual survey by Better Connected, published by the Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm), provides a definitive snapshot of local government performance on the web.

Every UK local authority website is reviewed and assessed against e-government and good practice criteria.

Mike Lay, head of ICT at Swindon Council, said: "Bearing in mind the very stringent nature of this independent assessment by Socitm, we are delighted to be recognised in this positive way.

"We have undertaken a major re-development of our website operations in the last year and now have a solid foundation on which we can build and deliver a much more responsive and efficient service to the people of Swindon."

Council leader Kevin Small (Lab, Western) said: "I am pleased to see that Swindon's has been listed as one of the 15 most improved sites as it recognises the efforts of staff involved in improving this service for users.

"This rating also recognises that the council is making vital steps forward in its recovery."

The website address is www.swindon.gov.uk.