Consultation

46 All Public Service agencies, the non-Public Service departments, some State sector and local government organisations, and community and voluntary organisations have consulted in the development of the E-government Strategy. Public and non-Public Service departments have commented on this paper as they are directly affected by it.

Treasury Comment

47 Treasury agrees that SSC's commitment, via the strategy, to align e-government architecture with e-service delivery is valuable. This updated strategy also shows significant enhancements on the earlier 2001 version. Going forward, Treasury recommends the E-government Strategy recognises more clearly the value of both individual agency, and cross-agency, e-initiatives in delivering net benefits and improved agency performance. Whether particular components of the e-government programme are built (including individually or as cross-agency initiatives) depends on the net benefits of each initiative. CAB Min (02) 8/2A requires each e-initiative to show positive net benefits (social, economic and financial), including positive fiscal gains where possible.

48 We recommend that SSC strengthen the strategy by making clearer the principles for e-government and strategies that deliver net benefits for different citizen groups (individuals, business, government). In our view, the strategy is more likely to evolve from being aspirational to helping to deliver improved results, if there are clear priorities, measurable objectives, performance targets, criteria for success, and sound evaluation processes.

49 Significant ongoing leadership is required from SSC, and from agencies, to ensure this strategy dovetails with Managing for Outcomes, Statement of Intent processes, and budget processes to deliver results. SSC has an important role in coordinating, brokering, and securing agency commitment to delivering cross-agency e-services and in supporting individual initiatives. Voluntary participation by agencies provides an important check on whether the benefits of any e-initiative outweigh its costs.