UK govt scraps payments system for farmers due to performance problems

Is there a case here for "knowing the customer" before implementing a solution? Implementing an online only solution for a process to users who may not all have broadband services sounds like a risky strategy.

The Register puts a different spin on the story, claiming that the main issue was a problem with the new digital front-end failing to integrate with multiple back-end systems, that the Government Digital Service went for a 40-plus suppliers approach - focusing too much attention on the front end, and little attention to integration between front and back end systems, and that the question remains as to whether the back end of the system is robust enough to handle the paper deluge. This should be a warning to financial institutions who are pouring money into digital front ends at the expense of their creaking back office systems.

Hard for many of us to comment in the normal authoritative way, given the lack of airtime given to this issue on "The Archers".

Look on the bright side, this is only a small write off compares to the cost of the SPS! Just a shame that these large and very complex IT infrastructure projects suffer from such poor supplier and stakeholder management. Having filled out the forms, been inundated with physical documentation and generally been totally confused by the whole process I am not surprised this has failed. And Mark, Tom you are so right - we have no mobile signal and broadband is laughable (but I pay the same as people getting 20 tims better service)!