A BRAND new app which will ping 88 million Brits with urgent alerts and give access to digital driving licenses launches today.
The app, developed by the Government, aims to make it easier for Brits to engage with public services.
3
3
3
The GOV.UK App will launch in a basic stage initially, as Labour roll-out the beta version today.
Initial roll-out takes place today
This incarnation of the app will allow users to prioritise topics on their home page, depending on which government services are most useful to them.
These areas include benefits, care, travel and business amongst others.
Having these services on the home page will make it easier for 88 million Brits to engage with the government.
Users will also be able to log-in using facial ID, removing the need for separate passwords for different services.
The upgraded version of the app is set to roll out later this year and will feature an AI chat bot – named GOV.UK Chat.
It will help to answer specific questions using information from the 700,000 page website.
A GOV.UK wallet will become available on the app too, which will contain a digital driving license and other hard-copies of important documents.
No more paper forms
Ahead of the launch, Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, said: “Our new GOV.UK App shows for the first time how this government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services as we deliver on our Plan for Change.
“By putting public services in your pocket, we will do away with clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold, so you can immediately get the information you need and continue on with the rest of your day.
“This release of the GOV.UK App is just the start.
“Soon, you will be able to use it to ask GOV.UK Chat any question you like about government services, and get a reliable answer immediately.
Personal notifications straight to your phone
“You will then get personal notifications, reminding you when your MOT is due or whether you need to register to vote, and then you will be able to closely track your childcare credits just as you do your bank account.”
The app is a key part of Labour’s Plan For Change – which aims to slash red tape slowing down British growth.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already axed NHS England in a bid to make the National Health Service more interconnected and efficient.
Another part of the plan includes a £39 billion scheme which will support the construction of affordable housing across the country.
