Scotland must enact digital transformation to encourage public service reform, according to the Scottish government’s cabinet secretary for finance, Derek Mackay, at the CIPFA Scotland Annual Conference. Mackay addressed the public finance leaders at the event to encourage innovation and make important efficiencies in public services.
“At a time of increasing demand and expectation, we need a step change in the way we deliver public services,” Mackay said. “It’s about putting digital at the heart of everything, providing services that simplify and standardise ways of working, encourage innovation, and result in a more efficient and responsive service that meets the needs of users. We need you to work with us to drive a shift in the way we deliver public services. Digital isn’t optional.”
Don Peebles, head of CIPFA Scotland, commented: “Public services in Scotland, with growing service demand and tightening budgets, are under increasing strain. And considering Brexit it is likely that it will become increasingly difficult for services to balance the books. The digitalisation of the sector will be critical to put services on a more sustainable footing.”
