Website of the UK government

Number of websites drastically reduced

In a move that will benefit tens of millions of users, only 26 of the websites examined so far are certain to be retained by Government, while 551 will go. Information of continuing relevance from closed sites will transfer to direct.gov.uk and businesslink.gov.uk. 

The move is the natural next step for Government as citizens shift their interest to 'supersites' such as the Directgov and bbc.co.uk websites.

Complex worldwide operation

The report is the first of its kind in Europe and sets out that transformation in government is a long-term endeavour involving tough challenges. John Suffolk, Government Chief Information Officer, said today:

"We operate in over 140 countries, spend some £12billion a year across the whole public sector and run many of the world's largest computer systems. The DWP makes 13 millions benefits payments electronically every week - it's a complex operation."

Millions benefiting every day

Use of Government IT has now reached a critical mass and ordinary citizens are at the heart of this new way of working. Learners have been some of the biggest beneficiaries of technology investment. One million primary school children now use e-learning in class each day and there is a three-fold improvement in the computer to pupil ratio.

The Minister for Transformational Government, Pat McFadden, said today:

"This report demonstrates how millions of people are benefiting from our use of technology everyday. We are dealing decisively with the proliferation of government websites by getting rid of more than 500. We are ensuring that the quality of our services will not be affected by these changes."

Major savings behind the scenes

Hundreds of millions are being saved by successful IT projects that receive little public attention. A Ministry of Defence effort known as 'Project Home' has revolutionised everything from how staff share secure information, where they sit and how their teams are structured. Transport for London, meanwhile, has saved 30 per cent on human resources through a shared services centre.

To build on this success over the long term the new Government IT Profession is going from strength to strength. More than 7,000 members have been recruited in its first full year.

Further information

Business Link offers a wide range of government information and guidance for all types of businesses.

The Transformational Government Annual Report 2006 is available for download on the Chief Information Officer Council website.

• Business Link Opens new window

• Transformational Government Annual Report 2006 Opens new window