The effective delivery of government services relies heavily on the processing of vast amounts of information. For example, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK administers benefits for millions of citizens, requiring personal information and documents from applicants. This processing can take up to six months, with a significant portion of the department’s workforce dedicated to this task, costing taxpayers approximately £3bn annually. Fraudulent claims are also a concern, costing the government between £29.3bn and £51.8bn per year.
Recognizing the need for a more efficient system, I led the Rewiring the Web project at Demos think-tank. We proposed a General Data Exchange Layer (GDEL) that would allow government departments to request necessary information from citizens securely and quickly. This approach could drastically speed up the processing of various services, creating a seamless experience for citizens and reducing the opportunity for fraud.
To implement this system, it’s essential to consider the evolution of digital technologies over the years. As devices become more integrated into daily life, regulations must adapt to ensure data protection and interoperability. The establishment of the Digital Markets Unit and the upcoming Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Bill can pave the way for a more open and user-centric approach to data exchange.
By embracing the concept of a general data exchange layer and working with tech companies to create a more efficient system, governments can significantly improve the delivery of public services. This approach would not only streamline processes but also enhance data security and reduce fraudulent activities.