How the modernising government fund has benefited Aberdeen.

Aberdeen City Council has received £2 million from the Modernising Government Fund
- the maximum grant payable under the scheme.The funding will help support the AccordLink project, and in particular the Accord Card, which will provide citizens with a smartcard (a citizens' service card) which simplifies access to council services. The aim is to reduce administration and improve the responsiveness and convenience of these services for the consumer.The Accord Card has already been successfully piloted in two Aberdeen schools, delivering:cashless catering, i.e. children do not have to carry money;anonymity of free school meals provision, i.e. removing any stigma attached to free meals;healthy eating reward "points" for children who choose healthy meals;access to library, sports and leisure facilities;Two further significant developments from the project during this year will be the issue of the card to all school pupils and, subject to commercial agreement, the facility of paying for all Aberdeen City bus journeys with the card.This is a pioneering project and the aim is to ensure that other councils in Scotland benefit from Aberdeen's experience and the support they have received.