Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the evidential basis was for the sum of £20 million allocated to the GovTech fund in Autumn Budget 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Technology is a key driver of productivity improvements. It is crucial that government invests in innovative applications of digital technology, to drive future savings, and to improve the quality of services for citizens. The £20 million GovTech Fund will enable public bodies to fund a number of challenges across a range of services, for three years starting in 2018-19. These challenges will allow public bodies to test and develop new, digital approaches to solving public sector problems.