Local authorities' technology spending is predicted to rise by nine per cent to £3bn in 2007/2008, according to local government user group Socitm.

Efficiency and security are top of IT managers' agenda, alongside a growing commitment to transformation programmes, says the IT trends report published yesterday.

Overall, the message from the survey of 250 organisations is highly positive, said Socitm president Rose Crozier.

"It shows that IT departments have the capacity and capability to deliver what is required to meet the transformation agenda in local government," she said.

"Moreover, on key transformational issues like customer-centricity and shared services, the survey demonstrates that T managers have a positive and open-minded approach."