Government’s use of technology faces huge challenges

The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a damming review of how government uses information and communications technology (ICT) to deliver public services.

The NAO report, Landscape Review of information and communications technology in government, details some of the key challenges facing the Government as it attempts to improve value for money from ICT and public services in general. These include a lack of business intelligence understanding among senior officials, the issue of legacy ICT systems, sometimes poor quality of services through online channels and difficulties in implementing cross-department ICT initiatives.

In response to these challenges and a worsening financial situation, the Government has made a number of changes, prominent among which was the formation in June 2010 of the Efficiency and Reform Group that is taking a new approach to securing value for money from ICT.

The group has been responsible for a number of new initiatives, including the moratorium on central government signing new ICT contracts worth more than £1 million without agreement from the Minister for the Cabinet Office; a mandatory review of all ICT projects currently underway to identify waste; and a drive to renegotiate contracts with suppliers.

Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said it is too early to evaluate their effect: “Effective information and sound ICT strategies go hand in hand. We will take a strong interest in future in how government is making the most of ICT to secure efficiencies and make possible new ways of delivering public services.

“At the same time, we will be looking at the steps being taken by government to rationalise its ICT, to achieve short-term cost savings.”