Defra published a digital and technology transformation plan in 2022 which includes IT investment across the core department and our largest Arm’s Length Bodies.

The plan provides a clear strategy for how we will tackle the current challenges we face, including improving the resilience of our services; as well as expanding and enhancing our current technology and digital services. Any investment in technology must place the needs of the Group at its core and align with Defra’s broader transformation.

We also recognise the vital importance of cybersecurity in allowing us to deliver a range of services - that is why we are taking steps to protect against threats and enhance our security. This includes investing more than £870m in improving infrastructure and digital systems, reducing our dependency on legacy technology and rolling out new security training.

A Defra spokesperson said:  

We have made significant progress on enhancing and improving the resilience of our current technology and digital services through an effective and wide-ranging investment plan.

We have already delivered new and improved services to improve flood warnings, farming and countryside schemes and food imports and exports, developed with the input of end-users and customers.

Defra is a wide-reaching organisation, and we are committed to improving the quality and availability of our digital services and ensuring our systems are secure and resilient.