Author Topic: Interesting UK data on unit costs of high volume government transactions  (Read 304 times)

petagny

  • Global Moderator
  • PFM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 348
Here are some interesting figures on the unit costs of some regular transactions high volume transactions (>750,000 per year) undertaken by various departments in the UK government:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2013/jan/18/cost-government-transactions-open-data#transaction

It's a Cabinet Office initiative and it seems that not all ministries have been forthcoming with the information, notably the Department of Works and Pensions. Either they don't know or they don't want to tell. Which is more worrying?

I've recently changed the address on my driving license at a cost of £20, when apparently it costs £3.50 to do this. It seems that this particular 'user charge' might actually contain a large component of tax!
« Last Edit: January 18, 2013, 13:32:17 GMT by Napodano »

harnett

  • Global Moderator
  • PFM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 204
    • REPIM
Re: Interesting UK data on unit costs of high volume government transactions
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2013, 17:31:11 GMT »
If it's a UK license, it's free to change the address, as long as you have all parts of the license!!

petagny

  • Global Moderator
  • PFM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 348
Re: Interesting UK data on unit costs of high volume government transactions
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2013, 08:23:32 GMT »
I've checked again and you're right!

I changed my photo at the same time (using a new passport photo which was already in the system)for which I was charged £20 - but costs the DfT £4.72 to do according to the table. So it looks like £11.78 of my fee is a cross-subsidy for those that are changing their addresses. But I guess I could have chosen not to do this and meeting a legal obligation is free.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2013, 08:29:19 GMT by petagny »

 

RSS | Mobile

© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF