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Uncosted, unknown and over here

  • Posted by Mike Butcher
  • 17 July 2007

The National Audit Office says many government departments are unaware how much their websites cost, who is using them and why. The NAO report found that although internet users rate government websites reasonably well, the quality of those websites has improved only slightly since 2002.

It recommends departments carry out regular research to ensure they are providing the right services to the public and collect and analyse usage data. But it seems someone realised this a while ago. The government is culling at least 551 of its 951 websites and streamlining much of its information to supersites such as Directgov and businesslink.gov.uk.

Navigation remains a big problems and better online information around choosing schools or hospitals would be appreciated by users.

But they won't find much joy there. Directgov has not changed in design terms for at least three years...

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