New Carter plan for high-speed internet overhaul

Communications, technology and broadcasting minister Stephen Carter last week set out his vision to push Britain to the forefront of global communications technology.

Online action plans bearing the name Lord Carter have taken on a deep significance with accountants and tax practitioners. But where the previous studies of payroll and HMRC online services by Lord Carter of Coles came up with tangible proposals for action, the former Ofcom chairman and second Lord Carter's interim Digital Britain report is more of a summary of what he intends to say when he publishes his final report in the autumn.

BASDA chairman and Sage's chief government liaison Kevin Hart gave a more considered response. "It’s quite bold in some respects to publish an interim report given the breadth and depth of this digital agenda," he told AccountingWEB.

"You have to really work your way through the document to find out what they are trying to achieve. That’s always the risk of doing an interim report. We’re seeing a lot of key action areas, but not the evidence to support the action. I’m expecting a lot more rigour and substance for the final report."

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The full Digital Britain Interim Report can be found on the Department for Culture Media and Sport website