In his annual speech to Parliament, Gareth Davies, head of the National Audit Office, called for improvements in government IT procurement as part of a wider supplier management effort.
Overall, he estimated that the government could save as much as £8bn through efficiency gains by better use of competition. “Spending on IT services is an excellent example of where further efficiencies lie,” said Davies. “Maximising buying power in a market dominated by global giants is essential.”
He also urged policymakers to embed best practice across the wider public sector to secure further savings, and highlighted the failing inherent in “antiquated IT systems”.
