Single government domain one step nearer

Government plans to overhaul public sector websites took a step forward today after it launched the first public beta test version of its proposed single Gov.uk portal.

 

Spearheaded by the UK’s Digital Champion, Martha Lane-Fox, the Gov.uk project could save the government £50m a year by making it easier for the public to access government services online and simplifying how the government publishes content on the web. Sources suggest that 70% of queries are likely to be answered on the new site.

 

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said that the new project would help bring an end to massive, single contracts for Government IT and presented opportunities for SMEs suppliers, in particular cloud-based start-ups and enterprise companies: “Our approach is changing. IT needs to be commissioned or rented, rather than procured in huge, expensive contracts of long duration,” Maude said.

 

Lee Hull, director of public sector at supplier Virgin Media Business, said it was crucial that the public sector looked to constantly improve its online experience as well as its ‘real-world’ services.

 

“As efficiency targets loom, public organisations need to do a lot more with less. As a result, many organisations are pooling resources and services together so that they can reduce overheads, improve productivity and deliver a better front-line service to the public.

 

"With Gov.uk, it’s clear the digital world is also considering harnessing a similar shared services strategy.”