Tech, AI, and Ministerial Makeovers

In the ever-evolving landscape of UK governance, three stories have emerged that paint a picture of a government in transition.

From Capita's £135 million extension on the smart meter rollout (a project that's been ticking along for over a decade) to the potential billions in savings promised by AI adoption in the civil service (if only those pesky legacy systems would cooperate), to the newly minted ministers heading back to school for governance 101.

It seems Whitehall is determined to drag itself into the 21st century, one extension, algorithm, and training session at a time. Who said bureaucracy can't be exciting?

Here's what we've procured for you today:

• Smart Meter Rollout: Capita's £135M Extension – A Meter Marathon, Not a Sprint! 📏🏃‍♂️💨

• AI in UK Government: Potential Billions in Savings or Just Binary Dreams? 💷🤖

• Ministers in Training: Whitehall's New School for Political Wizardry 🧙‍♂️🏛️

DAILY SPEND WATCH

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

• Gentoo Group Launches Housing Refurbishment Programme - seeking three Principal Contractors in a procurement process valued at over £300 million.

• NHMF Frameworx unveils £280M framework for security and access systems - The initiative aims to appoint up to 30 suppliers to each of the two frameworks: one for Direct Awards and another for Mini-Competitions. These national frameworks will cover England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with the flexibility to operate in specific geographical regions.

INSIGHT OF THE WEEK

UK Business Landscape: London Dominates, Regions Show Potential

London calling! The capital, along with the South East, accounts for 34% of UK businesses. But don't overlook other regions - each has its unique business density and growth potential. Check out the regional breakdown in the Business Population Estimates 2024 for strategic expansion ideas.

Department for Business & Trade, "Business population estimates for the UK and regions 2024: statistical release", published 3 October 2024.

NEWS

Smart Meter Rollout: Capita's £135M Extension – A Meter Marathon, Not a Sprint! 📏🏃‍♂️💨

🔑 Key points:

• 🕰️ Decade-long project: Capita's involvement in the UK smart meter rollout dates back to 2013, showcasing the project's extensive timeline.

• Financial figures: The extension is worth up to £135 million, with the overall project costs projected at £13.9 billion.

• 📊 Progress update: As of March 2023, 57% of potential meters (32.4 million out of 57.1 million) have been made "smart," but 9% of these aren't functioning properly.

• Shifting goalposts: The government has pushed back the completion deadline multiple times, from 2019 to the current target of 2025.

• Future challenges: Concerns arise about the obsolescence of millions of smart meters when 2G and 3G networks are switched off in 2033.

AI in UK Government: Potential Billions in Savings or Just Binary Dreams? 💷🤖

🔑 Key points:

• Early adoption: 70% of government bodies are piloting or planning to use AI, but implementation is still in its infancy.

• 💡 Promising use cases: AI is already being utilized in various departments, from HMRC's customer service to Natural England's habitat mapping.

• Structural hurdles: Legacy systems, skills gaps, and data quality issues are major obstacles to widespread AI adoption.

• Productivity boost: AI could potentially deliver billions in savings by streamlining services and maximizing government spending.

• 🧭 Need for direction: The NAO report highlights a lack of clear ownership, accountability, and funding for government AI initiatives.

Ministers in Training: Whitehall's New School for Political Wizardry 🧙‍♂️🏛️

🔑 Key points:

• 🆕 Unprecedented initiative: UK government introduces first-ever training sessions for new ministers post-election.

• Curriculum highlights: Sessions cover national security, crisis management, and the art of "Getting Things Done in Government."

• Bridging the gap: Training aims to improve minister-civil servant relationships and dispel misconceptions.

• 🌐 Global perspective: Initiative aligns with recommendations from Global Government Forum's "Making Government Work" report.

• Ongoing process: More sessions planned, emphasizing the need for continuous learning in governance.

TECHNOLOGY

UK Expands Digital Border: Electronic Travel Authorization Required for All Visitors by 2025

The rollout will occur in phases, starting with eligible non-Europeans in January 2025 and extending to eligible Europeans in April 2025. The ETA costs £10 and allows multiple entries over two years.

The government is also transitioning to eVisas for those who need visas to live, work, or study in the UK.

While the full outcome is yet to be seen, the expected results include a more secure border, improved visitor experience, better data management, and potential economic benefits through increased tourism.

The success of the program will likely depend on the smooth technical implementation, user adoption, and the system's ability to balance security needs with traveler convenience.

TIP OF THE DAY - Mastering Budget Management

Effective budget management emphasizes transparency, performance metrics, and regular reviews.

By prioritizing transparency, public agencies can build trust through open budget discussions. Performance-based budgeting ties funding to measurable outcomes, enabling resource reallocation as needed. Regular reviews ensure adaptability to changing circumstances.

In 2020, the UK government implemented a performance-based budgeting system during its Spending Review. This system linked departmental funding to specific outcomes, such as improving healthcare services.

By evaluating performance metrics and engaging stakeholders in budget discussions, the government effectively allocated resources to address urgent health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how strategic budget management enhances service delivery and accountability.