Government Departments: Digital Technologies

Lucy Rigby (Northampton North) (Lab) and Josh Simons (Makerfield) (Lab) asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, what steps the government is taking to increase the use of digital technologies by government departments. In response, Pat McFadden stated that digital technologies will be vital to the delivery of the government's missions and to effective public services. He announced that the Government Digital Service's central digital and data office and the incubator for artificial intelligence are being moved from the Cabinet Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The Treasury and the Cabinet Office will work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on this, with the aim of creating a strong digital centre of government to drive innovation and ensure a better experience for citizens using government services. Lucy Rigby welcomed the move, stating that the UK has the chance to become a world leader in bringing new technologies into the heart of government. She asked what steps the minister is taking to ensure that digital technologies are used to support the government's missions and deliver for her constituents in Northampton North and across the country. Pat McFadden responded that the aim is to secure value for money for the taxpayer and the best possible citizen experience, with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology taking the lead, working closely with the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. Josh Simons noted that despite significant spending, public sector productivity worsened under the previous government. He asked whether the minister has assessed how digital technologies can be used to increase productivity in the public sector and improve public services. Pat McFadden acknowledged that the government is only in the "foothills" of the potential, and that the challenge is to reform public services to match the constant innovation experienced in the private sector.