NAO: Government websites barely improved

News Article - Monday, July 16, 2007

filed under: Technology

The quality of government websites has progressed only slightly since 2002, according to an investigation by the National Audit Office (NAO).

Among the study's findings was that the government spends £208 million on its websites each year and some portals are becoming more widely used.

Users were found to rate their experiences online reasonably well, but many of the websites were found to be too text-heavy, deterring users.

Head of the NAO Sir John Bourn said: "Progress has been made by departments and agencies in getting more information on the web.

However, he added: "Departments need to focus on understanding the cost effectiveness of their websites and who uses them and why, so that they can better meet the needs of citizens."

In January this year, it was announced that 551 government portals would be shut down to increase accessibility to information, with only 26 definitely staying.

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