Written questions

ICT: Labour Turnover

Commons · Question 7325 · Tabled 5 Jun 2026 · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology · Official record

Answered 12 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Scott Arthur

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the cost of technical debt to UK productivity; and what steps her Department is taking to address skills shortages linked to the retirement of personnel

Answer

Answered by Ian Murray, 12 Jun 2026

At least 28% of central government systems are classified as legacy. These outdated systems cost around 40% more to maintain than modern alternatives, slow down public services, are harder to join up and increase the risk of disruption, reducing efficienc...