The UK Government is facing fresh scrutiny after ministers said existing financial systems cannot provide annual figures showing how much departments spend on digital transformation.

In an update published on 22 October, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee said the Government could not publish a consolidated breakdown of digital and data-driven transformation spending across departments and public bodies.

The Government said it would consider ways to improve reporting over time. The issue has raised questions about public spending transparency, digital government reform and value for money for taxpayers.

The committee also highlighted concerns about dependence on external technology suppliers, including Palantir’s role in public services. Ministers have agreed to develop a strategy to reduce vendor lock-in and strengthen internal digital capabilities.

The Government has also committed to producing an action plan by the end of 2026 to support the modernisation of legacy public-sector systems.

Committee chair Dame Chi Onwurah called for clearer leadership and better oversight of technology spending. The findings are likely to keep government digital reform and public procurement under political scrutiny.