Another public sector computer crisis

With the catastrophe at the Passport Agency just simmering down, yet another computer-related problem is causing worry, this time amongst the UK's student body.

The processing of loan cheques will be delayed through the late introduction of new software. Local authorities anticipate huge problems in coping with the flow of information and blame the software. They say it is overdue and full of errors - and they have only been allowed a week to test it fully.

Edward Lister, Tory leader of Wandsworth Council, complained "This is the passport nightmare all over again. Everything that could be delayed, has been delayed. The Department of Education has saddled the local authorities with an unworkable system."

According to Robin Guenier, executive director of Taskforce 2000, computer problems such as the passport crisis are an indirect result of the millennium bug. Where public or private sector organisations are implementing new software to replace non-compliant products, unexpected glitches typically cause huge administrative and processing problems.

Taskforce 2000 has warned previously that what we are seeing now could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Julie Crisp