WRITTEN ON February 4th, 2008 BY William Heath AND STORED IN Political engagement
The Times suggested on 1 Feb there wd be [yet another] a review of government IT
The Treasury is to review spending on government IT projects in an effort to halt a series of scandals as Gordon Brown’s ambitions to computerise public services were dealt another blow yesterday [ref HMRC latest]…A major review of public spending will seek to draw lessons from recent IT disasters, which have cost the tax billions, The Times has learn. The review, to be conducted by Yvette Cooper, the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury, will look at IT procurement in several areas.
A Treasury source said that the review, across a dozen areas of government spending, would seek to “ensure better value for money” for future IT projects. A recent survey revealed that the cost to the taxpayer of abandoned Whitehall computer projects since 2000 had reached £2 billion…This comes days after the Prime Minister asked Paul Murphy, the Welsh Secretary, to chair a new cabinet committee on IT and information security, suggesting renewed interest from No 10 in the area.
But I’ve seen no official follow-up or announcement. Also I dont understand where Tom Watson fits in – he refers to a new job and is taking suggestions on his blog, but I can’t see what his new job is. Man – miss one BarCamp and suddenly you’re way out of the loop…
2 Responses to “Reviews etc: which Minister is now doing what?”
It will make not the least jot of difference
However the BBC has a good story today about HMRC and tax credit over-payments
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7226764.stm
Apparently the department has written off £ 2,300,000,000 already and is still trying to recover another £ 3,300,000,000
They have been nominated for the Jerome Kerviel Award for financial stewardship ( judged by Mr Bean and other fine guardians of the public purse )
Owners of Florida villas financed by the HMRC over-payments will not be eligible to vote ( note – Ed ) in this year’s award, but may be asked to take part next year if HMRC generosity converts them into ” NON DOMS”
Yvette Cooper! Thank goodness. A PPE will soon get to the bottom of the problem causes by all the other PPEs deciding technology “strategy”. I expect her extensive experience in, er, a couple of years as an economics reporter for the Independent will be extremely valuable. An excellent appointment and I imagine that she will complement Paul Murphy’s experience as lecturer in Government and History at Ebbw Vale College of Further Education splendidly.