Number of government websites to be axed

With the number of broadband users on the increase there have been more and more government websites set up over recent years, but as part of the coalition government plans to save money many of these are set to be axed.

The rising number of broadband users in the UK over recent years has resulted in the government increasing its web presence enormously, and with this in mind many government related websites have been set up enabling consumers to access a vary range of services via the Internet rather than having to go to post offices, government offices, or make lengthy phone calls.

However, since the new coalition government came into power officials have pledged to slash spending in a bid to try and reduce the public deficit, and a number of areas have been affected such as cuts in benefits, changes to pensions, an increase in VAT, and tax changes.

It has now emerged that as part of their cost cutting regime officials from the coalition government have also decided to axe many of the government websites that have been set up over recent years. According to reports hundreds of government websites are to be axed by Downing Street. In fact of the eight hundred and twenty government websites currently available it is thought that around seventy five percent could eventually be axed.

Any new sites will first have to be approved by Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office, and Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury. Maude said that the Efficiency Board, which he co-chairs, was committed to “getting the government web back under control”.

Source – v3