The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is keen to acquire control of the Government Digital Service (GDS), a move resisted by the Chief Executive of the Civil Service, John Manzoni. The desire for control of GDS stems from DCMS’s ambition to lead the digital economy agenda, and the belief that GDS could help it achieve that goal. Despite this, Manzoni is fighting to keep GDS under the control of the Cabinet Office.
The role of GDS has been under scrutiny recently, with some questioning its ability to deliver on its remit. A report by the National Audit Office (NAO) in 2017 criticised the GDS for failing to demonstrate value for money, and suggested that the service was struggling to maintain its relevance.
This potential shift of control has sparked a debate over the future of GDS. Some believe that the service should remain within the Cabinet Office, while others argue that it would be better placed within DCMS. As yet, no decision has been made, but the outcome could have significant implications for the future of digital government in the UK.
Go to source article: https://government.diginomica.com/2018/02/02/dcms-wants-gds-lock-stock-barrel-manzoni-fighting-retain-control/