The UK government is considering selling off IT
management and other services as commercial companies as part of
its fundraising campaign.
Prime minister Gordon Brown this week announced plans to sell
off £16bn worth of assets including the Dartford Tunnel to raise
funds to reduce debt.
But government advisers have suggested expanding the asset sales
to include IT management and other government services, according
to
reports.
Such a move would fit with the government's previous efforts to
involve the private sector in improving efficiencies.
But some reports say privatisation of activities such as IT
management is likely to face objections from trade unions.
Earlier this year, the government was forced to drop plans to
privatise parts of the Royal Mail postal service after union
objections.
The government is also likely to face opposition from critics
that say private-sector involvement in government IT projects has
not been successful.