Content
Editorial
Pickles confirms plan to change electronic agenda rules
The government has confirmed that it is planning to legislate to allow councillors to be sent agendas for council meetings electronically.
Features
Cabinet reshuffle: What does it mean for digital government?
Julia Lopez, the minister responsible for GDS and CDDO, has moved departments – but the digital divisions may now receive more attention from the top of the Cabinet Office
‘Unsettling and very stressful’ – Home Office letter warns settled EU citizens of benefit cut-off
Following a government ‘data-matching exercise’ recipients of a recent government mail-out were warned they could be stripped of rights and payments – despite already holding settled status. PublicTechnology investigates.
What next for the NHS GP data collection scheme?
Today was supposed to mark the commencement of data-gathering for the controversial GPDPR scheme – but plans are now on hold. PublicTechnology recaps the story so far.
Interview
In it for the long-run: Why Luton council signed a 10-year ICT deal
Luton Borough Council chose to renew its IT contract rather than go with a new provider. The council’s technology lead tells Gill Hitchcock how it shifted to an outcomes-based approach – and why a flexible 10-year contract can still be a good deal.
‘The skill set for any CIO is the same’: Socitm president Geoff Connell on moving from borough to county
Geoff Connell took up his role of CIO at Norfolk County Council in August last year. Rebecca Hill asks him how he found the change from the London Borough of Newham, and finds out what’s on his to-do list.
News
Government tech chief looks to bring more policy and delivery pros into digital roles
Joanna Davinson says digital function is working with HR colleagues to promote greater movement between disciplines
NHS app users top 16 million as uptake boosts organ donor registrations
Download spike also prompts rise in digital prescriptions and use of technology to book GP appointments
NAO cites ageing IT and lack of automation in £1bn pension underpayment
A total of 134,000 people were underpaid by DWP, with complex rules and a widespread need for manual reviews pegged by auditors as a main cause
Opinion
App-based freedoms and the relentless battle for cybersecurity
As our movements increasingly depend on using our smartphones to demonstrate status, we need to ensure technology is secure, according to Dr Sarah Morris, of Cranfield University.
The stigma needs to be removed from cyberattacks
The secrecy and shame associated with cyber incidents needs to be rethought, believes PublicTechnology editor Sam Trendall
How can the government innovation strategy position the UK for success?
The upcoming government plan should rethink the UK’s R&D system and use public procurement to support innovative companies, according to Neil Ross of techUK