WIREDGOV

Investment in digital transformation and support for Five Year Forward View welcomed

Commenting on the Chancellor's Autumn Statement and Spending Review, Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

"techUK welcomes the Chancellor's commitment to make the UK the most digitally advanced tax administration in the world. As we have seen from online self-assessment – technology can be a huge help for citizens and companies that have to navigate the UK's complex taxation system.

"The news of investing £1.8 billion in digital transformation, including an increased budget of £450m for the Government Digital Service is welcome evidence of the government's commitment to digital transformation. Government and industry must work closely together to bring innovation to government.

"The Chancellor's decision to protect science spend in real terms at £4.7bn will be welcomed by the UK tech sector which depends upon the research, skills and talent that flows from our world leading universities. However, switching grants to loans for innovation could inhibit progress of the UK's start up community.

"Full funding for the Five Year Forward View for the NHS and potential increased spending on social care in real terms are welcome, but it is critical that these services are able to make much more effective use of data to deliver patient-centric care at affordable cost across health and social care. NHS England will only achieve the scale of efficiency savings required through the effective use of tech."

"On the Apprenticeship Levy, techUK urges the Government to listen closely to the needs to tech employers and ensure that the levy does not undermine existing initiatives by companies to nurture future talent."

Read techUK's comment on last week's announcement on increased cyber security spend

Read techUK's comment on the Strategic Defence and Security Review