A government scheme designed to share information about births and deaths has been backed by Watford Borough Council.

The Tell Us Once programme, launched by the Department of Work and Pensions, aims to transform the way people tell central and local government about changes in circumstances and to reduce the amount of contact people must have with different departments.

All ten districts in Hertfordshire must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the DWP and Hertfordshire County Council, who will be responsible for the programme.

Data collected through Tell Us Once will then be shared for the purpose of Council Tax and benefits, income and electoral registration.

In future, the information could also be shared in relation to customer services, bus passes, citizens' panels and other means.

Watford Borough Council's Cabinet tonight (Monday) agreed to sign the memorandum, which must be completed by all ten Hertfordshire districts before the new system can begin.