The UK Government has slowed in its progress towards the 2005 e-government targets, according to the latest official update. The report, available via the e-envoy's website on 14 January 2004, reveals that 66% of services were online as of June last year.
The figures represent the most recent review of the number of government services available online, but show that in six months during 2003 the increase was just 3%.
The report shows Whitehall is still behind its original projections for e-government.
Initially, back in 2000, the Office of the e-Envoy (OeE) said that 73% of public services would be online by 2002.
But Douglas Alexander, the minister responsible for e-government, last year revealed that Whitehall was behind its original plans.
While the figures may leave the Government open to criticism, the slower progress made during 2002 and 2003 may be for a good reason.
Arguably, it could signal a growing recognition that the focus of efforts should be on providing quality services that are used rather than simply putting as many services online as possible.
The report also shows that departments have identified 599 services capable of being put online, an increase of 32 from the previous report.
But as the 2005 target approaches, it is possible that the OeE will reduce the overall number judged suitable of being e-enabled, the report reveals.
It says that the number of e-services to be provided "may fluctuate upwards or downwards due to the dynamic nature of the services provided to both citizens and business. "
This could happen in three ways says the report: services could be "discontinued"; several could be "subsumed" into one offering; or they could be grouped according to the "business aims" of a department.
Quelle: Kablenet, 14.01.2004
