Tories call for "fundamental rethink" of government IT

Shadow minister to lead review, alongside mySociety founder Tom Steinberg

Tories want an end to Whitehall "mega-projects"

The Conservative Party is calling for a “fundamental rethink” of the approach to government IT projects.

Speaking at the party’s annual conference in Manchester, Tory shadow Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude announced he is to lead a review of government IT, citing a history of projects littered with budget overruns, delays and functional failures.

He said huge centralised databases had been created, with a thoroughly casual approach to safeguarding private data.

"We need a fundamental rethink,” said Maude.

"We need fewer mega-projects; a rigid insistence on open standards and interoperability; a level playing field for open-source software and for smaller suppliers; a much greater willingness to buy off the shelf rather than always seeking bespoke perfection; opening up access to government data; a new vision for how we can engage with citizens; and far more effective procurement and management of projects."

Maude has invited mySociety founder and director Tom Steinberg to work on the review of government IT. Steinberg was co-author of the Cabinet Office Power of Information report.

"A smarter use of IT by government can do more than just deliver services more quickly and efficiently, it can also open up the institutions of state and make our lives as citizens more effective and rewarding,” Steinberg said.