Minister Tim Crookall says the government has identified £800,000 in savings from phone contract renewals.
He gave the figure as he was asked to identify what efficiencies he has found since being appointed Minister Without Portfolio last autumn.
The savings form part of a wider £10m annual efficiency target over five years.
Mr Crookall outlined five key areas for savings: digital transformation, contract and procurement, assets management, people strategy, and service reviews.
Digital projects include moving driver test applications online and digitising vehicle services.
Details
Despite the info given, MHKs demanded more detail with Lib Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper pressed: “Can the Minister commit to circulating an update that says, this is the £10 million target, and this is how it’s broken down?”
Mr Crookall pledged quarterly updates, though Mr Hooper later said: “The minister promised a quarterly update, and now he’s promised a quarterly email, which isn’t quite the same thing.”
Julie Edge criticised delays, noting prepaid prescriptions still require phone payments despite long-standing digital plans.
Mr Crookall acknowledged many government digital plans over the years, but said: “There is absolutely an urgency to do this at this time.”
Other MHKs raised concerns about reporting and whether easy savings had already been made. The government plans to publish quarterly progress reports on the efficiency drive.
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