Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Efficiency: Online Services

Thursday 9 June 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Digital transformation is central to improving the delivery of Government services.
  • Home Office colleagues are working to address surges in demand for passports and visas.
  • Many MPs have reported quick turnarounds for constituents' passport applications at the Portcullis House hub.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Elliot Colburn
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question arises from the need to improve government service delivery through digital transformation. The MP seeks details on specific steps being taken by his Department.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to (a) improve Government efficiency and (b) reform Government online services.

Answer from Heather Wheeler

Digital transformation is central to improving the delivery of Government services. My Department is leading work to improve the efficiency of the top 75 Government services; to embed a build once, use many times approach to technology; and to build a new system that will enable citizens to prove their identity and access online Government services through a single account, one login. In the last financial year, technology platforms built by Cabinet Office digital generated £74 million of savings to Government—six times more than cost to run.

Answered
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Q2 Elliot Colburn
Immigration Ukraine
Context

The MP raises concerns about delays in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and passport renewals, seeking clarity on conversations between Cabinet Office and Home Office.

Question

What conversations she is having with the Home Office? Many Carshalton and Wallington residents have been in touch about delays in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and passport renewals, so what discussions has the Cabinet Office had with the Home Office on improving its online application systems?

Answer from Heather Wheeler

Home Office colleagues are working harder than ever to deal with huge surges in demand for passports and visas as a result of the recovery from the pandemic and the UK's response to the illegal war in Ukraine. The Home Office is currently prioritising Ukraine visa scheme applications in response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Government are communicating directly with other visa customers to note that economic visas are taking longer to process at this time. Staff are being redeployed to those visa routes and further staff are being recruited and onboarded. More passport applications are being processed than ever before, with nearly 2 million applications completed between March and April. Despite that, the vast majority of passports are being processed within 10 weeks.

Answered
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Q3 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The MP criticizes the all-male cuts committee's approach to cutting 91,000 civil servants, arguing it will harm frontline service delivery.

Question

The Minister's warm words do not match the reality of the Government's plans. Their all-male cuts committee, headed by the Chancellor, will not create efficiencies by cutting 91,000 civil servants; in fact it will gut the civil service's capability to deliver the vital frontline services that our communities rely on. Will the Minister explain to the public how all Departments being asked to model 20%, 30% or 40% job cuts will better serve their needs when it comes to getting their passport on time, not having to wait in queues at the airport or accessing swift justice in our court system?

Answer from Heather Wheeler

I am afraid the hon. Lady is out of step with reality. Many MPs have gone to the hub in Portcullis House and have got turnarounds for their constituents' passports. Many people have got their passports within nine days.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation of how significant job cuts will improve service delivery, focusing instead on turnaround times for passport applications.

How: Out Of Step With Reality

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