The Autumn Budget 2024 outlines significant investments and policy changes for the UK's technology industry, aimed at fostering innovation, improving digital infrastructure, and providing critical digital solutions.
Empowering tech for national growth
With an emphasis on public service reform through technology, the technology industry is presented with a unique opportunity to deliver impactful solutions. The UK government is set to invest in digital transformation across various public sectors:
- Department for Education: The Department for Education will see an investment of £6.7 billion in capital funding, including £950 million for skills capital. This offers opportunities to develop and implement educational technologies that enhance learning outcomes.
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): The DWP is investing in digital solutions to reduce fraud and error, streamline operations, and improve the delivery of benefits. The government will introduce new legislative powers for DWP to recover debt and carry out additional checks on Universal Credit claimants.
- Local government digitisation: The government’s strategy to digitise public service delivery will involve significant investments in modernising local government services, presenting opportunities for tech firms to provide innovative solutions.
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): Significant investments are being made to enhance HMRC's digital capabilities and fraud detection mechanisms. The government will invest £1.4 billion over the next five years to recruit additional compliance staff and modernise IT systems.
- NHS digital transformation: With over £2 billion allocated for NHS technology and digital improvements, there is a significant push towards enhancing patient care through digital solutions. This includes the implementation of Electronic Patient Records and improvements to the NHS App.
BJSS has been instrumental in several NHS digital transformation projects, such as the development of the NHS e-Referral Service. This service streamlined patient referrals, reduced administrative burdens, and improved patient outcomes.
The technology solutions enabling enhanced public services
The budget highlights the potential for technology solutions such as cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and accelerators to enable the delivery of proposed outcomes:
Cloud computing and technology can provide scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions for public sector projects. For instance, by migrating NHS systems to the cloud, healthcare providers can ensure secure, accessible, and efficient patient data management.
Data analytics can help government departments make informed decisions, improve service delivery, and detect fraud. For example, HMRC can use advanced data analytics to identify patterns of non-compliance and target resources effectively.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can automate routine tasks, enhance customer service, and provide predictive insights. In healthcare, AI can be used to predict patient outcomes and optimise treatment plans.
Innovation accelerators can provide a collaborative environment to develop and test new technologies. By fostering partnerships between government, academia, and industry, innovation accelerators can drive the development of cutting-edge solutions.
The Autumn Budget 2024 provides multiple avenues for the technology sector to thrive and contribute to national goals. With increased investments in digital transformation projects, technology companies can engage in public sector contracts to deliver innovative solutions that improve efficiency and service delivery.
The focus on R&D and innovation accelerators encourages collaboration between tech firms, research institutions, and government bodies, fostering an ecosystem of innovation.
Investments in digital infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, create opportunities to develop inclusive technologies that bridge the digital divide and promote equal access to digital services.
Additionally, the budget’s emphasis on sustainable technologies, including clean energy and digital solutions for environmental challenges, aligns with the tech industry's capabilities to drive sustainable development.
The citizen-centric benefits of public sector tech investments
The transformative impact of these investments extends to citizens, enhancing their quality of life through improved public services and greater digital inclusion:
- Healthcare access: Digital health solutions will streamline patient care, reduce waiting times, and improve health outcomes.
- Education and skills: Enhanced educational technologies will provide students with better learning tools, preparing them for a digital future.
- Economic opportunities: Investments in digital infrastructure and innovation will create jobs, drive economic growth, and ensure that all regions benefit from technological advancements.
- Enhanced user experience: Improving the user experience of public services can increase citizen satisfaction and engagement. Digital platforms that are user-friendly and accessible can make a significant difference in how citizens interact with government services.
The Autumn Budget 2024 positions the technology industry to play a pivotal role in the UK’s imminent growth and development.
By taking advantage of the opportunities that this funding presents, the tech industry can be a driver for innovation, enhancement of public services, and delivery of significant citizens benefits, paving the way for a digitally inclusive future.
BJSS stands ready to support this transformative journey, building on our proven track record of delivering impactful technology solutions across various sectors.
Kam Bhatoa is Head of Government at BJSS