Delivering better government after three decades of disappointment | Computer Weekly
Summary
The article argues that UK government digital transformation has repeatedly failed because policymakers bring digital teams in too late and rely on big-bang implementation. It uses examples such as Universal Credit, Gov.uk Verify, the EU Settlement Scheme, Making Tax Digital, and the national digital ID rollout to show how poorly tested policy can create costly harm. The piece calls for a test-and-learn model that uses prototypes, evidence, and controlled trials before national deployment. It also proposes the Isle of Wight as a real-world policy testbed for digital identity and other public service changes. The main message is that government needs better governance, reusable digital capability, and earlier technical input to improve outcomes for citizens and businesses.