Angela Waite, president of local government IT
directors’ organisation Socitm, has welcomed the promotion of
former government CIO Ian Watmore to the head of the Prime
Minister's Delivery Unit.
Socitm had voiced concern 18 months ago on Watmore’s appointment
as government CIO, fearing he would overlook the importance of IT
in local government, which delivers 80% of public services.
“We are delighted you have proved us wrong,” said Waite in an
open letter. “You have listened to local government, you have
involved us on the CIO Council, and you have welcomed our input
into the government’s first IT strategy.”
Socitm is keen that local government IT does not lose its
profile following Watmore’s departure. “Naturally we are worried
that with your departure, the e-government unit and other
government departments do not lose that willingness to incorporate
the local government perspective,” added Waite.
