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Written question asked by Chris White (Conservative) on Friday, 8 January 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 January 2016 (named day). It was answered by Matt Hancock (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 January 2016 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Government Departments: Communication

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to (a) encourage greater use of email and (b) implement other measures to reduce costs in communication by government departments.

Answer

The Government Digital Service (GDS) continues to support departments as they digitally transform their business operations, making government services easier and more efficient to use. There is a ‘digital first’ strategy across Government to save on time as well as paper and postage costs, including the use of email to achieve this aim.

The Government Communication Service (GCS) saved nearly £330m for taxpayers in 2014/15 compared to 2009/10 by making its campaigns more cost effective. The communications profession is also more streamlined, with headcount across Government reduced by a third since 2009/10. These reforms helped the Government reduce communications spending by a total of £1bn over the last Parliament. GCS continues to investigate new ways of reducing costs in Government communications.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21684
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Communication Government departments Email
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk