We noted parallels between the Shared Services Strategy and other cross-government cloud transformation initiatives. The Office for National Statistics launched the Integrated Data Service (IDS) programme in 2020.16 The programme set out to harness cloud platforms and innovative systems and processes to improve the usability of data across government in decision-making. Digital transformation also promised efficiency gains through faster statistics and cost cuts.17 The programme’s ambitious promises proved undeliverable. In 2025, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) reviewed the programme’s delivery, giving a ‘Red’ delivery confidence assessment in part due to the IDS ‘being unable to demonstrate sufficient progress in unlocking cross- government data sharing’ and an interdependent relationship with another digital transformation programme.18 In March 2026, the Office for National Statistics confirmed that it had closed the IDS, after spending a reported £240 million.19 10 C&AG’s Report, Government shared services, Session 2022–23, HC 921, para 15 11 Committee of Public Accounts, Government Shared Services, Fiftieth Report of Session 2022–23, HC 734, 5 May 2023, Para 2 12 Qq 8, 36; Letter from the Cabinet Office to PAC dated 3 June 2026, p. 2 13 Q 1 14 C&AG’s Report, Update on government shared services, Figure 5 15 Letter from the Cabinet Office to PAC dated 3 June 2026, p. 4 16 National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, Annual report table summary 2024/25 17 Office for National Statistics, Integrated Data Service (IDS) 18 National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, Annual report table summary 2024/25 19 Q 5; Office for National Statistics, FOI-2026–3378, Integrated Data Service reviews and assessments 10 Uncertain value for money