The journey to digital government
The UK government has published the final report on Digital Britain. Chapter 8 of the report refers to the UK Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) activities with respect to the re-use of public sector information and licences.
A number of related reports were published concurrently with the Digital Britain – Final report.
The press release outlines Chapter 8 a follows:
“CHAPTER 8: THE JOURNEY TO DIGITAL GOVERNMENT
“Businesses are facing up to the real challenges of cutting costs in order to stay in business and emerge stronger form the downturn. The public sector needs to do likewise… so that the Government can continue to invest in excellent public services while maintaining sustainable public finances.” Operational Efficiency Programme: final report, April 2009
The Government’s impact on the digital economy goes way beyond its role as policy maker. In delivering public services, as a large customer of ICT products and services and as the owner of data systems, the public sector has enormous influence on the market. In many areas, such as education, health and defence, Government can use its position as the leading procurer of services, to drive up standards – in some cases to set standards – and to provide an investment framework for research and development.
The Report therefore recommends that:
- to provide single-minded focus and oversee Whitehall-wide systems and standards, the Government Chief Information Officer should approve all significant ICT procurement by Government departments
- Almost half the population access information about Government or local council services online. Significant savings can be made through wider online delivery of public services. Some public services are already being delivered almost exclusively online.
With great benefits available to both the customer and the public purse:
- there are advantages to delivering more public services online. By 2012 there will be a significant increase in digital participation and this will be the trigger for a programme of Digital Switchover of Public Services.”
OFT considers options post CUPI
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