Newsroom
Erudine warns Government I.T. is a “disgrace”
This is the stark warning from IT experts on the current state of Government IT and that addressing the challenges posed is an issue of “absolute national importance.”
Despite the UK spending more per capita on IT than the US, Germany, France and several other comparable nations, e-government remains a largely unsuccessful endeavor, blighted by costly failures and low take-up. According to accountancy firm Deloitte, the UK’s spend on Government IT is categorized as “heavy investment, not delivering results.”
As one of the biggest areas of expenditure – and public criticism – Government IT is a high priority for both the Government and opposition politicians. Recent reports have heavily criticised both Government and suppliers as projects, such as the £350m Rural Payments system, have led to serious errors and disruption.
However, few in Parliament currently have a detailed understanding of the reasons why IT projects cost so much and frequently fail – and little action has been taken to remedy scathing assessments from groups including the Public Accounts Committee.
In a strongly worded briefing produced by industry thought-leaders Erudine, politicians are warned that the UK’s economy and public service delivery could be seriously undermined if there is not a “step change” in several areas.
It goes on to say “the current structure of Government IT cannot accommodate fresh, innovative or step-change approaches” and that “this cannot continue.”
In an ominous forecast, it concludes if the status quo continues the UK risks sacrificing international economic competitiveness, public service delivery and tens of billions of pounds – all to a ‘digital landfill.’”
Martin Rice, CEO of Erudine, said: “The UK spends more and delivers less than all of our economic competitors – yet the Government continues to delude itself that it is the incumbent suppliers who know best.
“Innovation is not brought to the table by suppliers who are focused on protecting huge profits, while civil servants who are fighting for change are strangled by red-tape. This briefing makes one thing clear – there is an alternative and a step-change is possible, but the current approach to innovation is failing badly.”
Academics have previously warned that Government-IT industry relations have become “dangerously unbalanced” in the UK and this report reaffirms that “Government IT is currently straightjacketed by vested interest masquerading as best practice.”
The report identifies three critical areas for attention – the impact of IT on policy change, in particular as a blocker to implementation; the high cost of the current approach, especially for changes; and the ability of IT to both save on back-office costs and improve how public services are delivered.
To dowload the briefing, click here.