Yet another government IT project has turned into a fiasco. The Department for Transport has been accused of "stupendous incompetence" over the introduction of a "streamlined" master computer system. No-one has been dismissed over the fiasco.
The government persists in introducing "master" IT projects which all too predictably turn into white elephants. The DfT master computer is just another fine mess to go alongside the Child Support Agency's failed computer upgrade; the Department for Work and Pensions' abandonment of three major schemes; and the faltering NHS computer system (cost £13 billion). There have also been numerous scandals with security of personal data held by the state.
Not sure why there is this megalomania for grandioise IT projects. It would be more sensible for smaller units of administration to have devolved powers of expenditure rather than everything being "top down" from Westminster/Whitehall (or Cardiff or Holyrood). Counties are the ideal size for accountable administration - any larger things become unmanageable, any smaller things become too parochial (and unlike "Regions" the counties would attract local loyalty).
Project management by the government is just one fine mess after another: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxQiotyPDsw&feature=related
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