Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Departments: Digital Technologies

Thursday 25 July 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steps are being taken to increase the use of digital technologies by Government Departments.
  • The Government Digital Service's central digital and data office has been moved to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to drive innovation.
  • The UK aims to become a world leader in integrating new technologies into government operations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Josh Simons Lab Makerfield
Science & Technology
Context

The question addresses the use of digital technologies in government departments, a critical area for efficiency and service delivery.

Question

What steps he is taking to increase the use of digital technologies by Government Departments. Despite significant spending of taxpayer cash, public sector productivity got worse under the last Government. When I worked in artificial intelligence, it was clear that so many of the barriers to harnessing technology are specific, granular and often not glamorous, such as sharing data better across organisations. Has the Minister assessed how digital technologies can be used to increase productivity in the public sector and improve public services?

Answer from Pat McFadden

Digital technologies are vital for delivering government missions and improving public services. The Government Digital Service's central digital and data office has been moved to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to drive innovation. We aim to ensure value for money and a better experience for citizens by working closely with the Cabinet Office and Treasury. The Minister recognises that the barriers to technology adoption are often specific and granular, such as improved data sharing across organisations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact measures and timeline for enhancing public sector productivity were not specified.

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Q2 Lucy Rigby Lab Northampton North
Science & Technology Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The UK has an opportunity to lead globally in integrating new technologies into government operations, which can significantly improve service delivery and citizen experience.

Question

I welcome the entire ministerial team to their places. The UK has the chance to become a world leader in bringing new technologies into the heart of Government. The concept of a mission-led Government provides a unique opportunity to do exactly that. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that digital technologies are used to support the Government's missions, to deliver for my constituents in Northampton North and across the country?

Answer from Pat McFadden

My hon. Friend is right about the UK's potential to lead globally in this area. We are creating a strong digital centre of Government with the DSIT Secretary at the helm, working closely with the Cabinet Office and Treasury to secure value for money and improve citizen experience.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures or timeline was provided for ensuring technology supports government missions.

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Q3 Josh Simons Lab Makerfield
Economy Science & Technology
Context

Despite significant spending on digital technologies, public sector productivity has worsened under the previous government. The barriers to technology adoption in the public sector are often granular issues such as data sharing.

Question

Despite significant spending of taxpayer cash, as in so many things, public sector productivity got worse under the last Government. When I worked in artificial intelligence, it was clear that so many of the barriers to harnessing technology are specific, granular and often not glamorous, such as sharing data better across organisations. Has the Minister assessed how digital technologies can be used to increase productivity in the public sector and improve public services?

Answer from Pat McFadden

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and let me take this opportunity to thank the right hon. Member for Salisbury (John Glen) for his work on public sector productivity. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we are only in the foothills of potential here. We have created a strong digital centre of Government with DSIT Secretary at the helm, aiming to ensure good value for money and improve citizens' experience by matching constant innovation seen in private life.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures or timeline was provided for enhancing public sector productivity through technology adoption.

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