Birmingham Council have posted an official response to the investigation into 'When can we expect a new birmingham.gov website?' and the findings that Birmingham City Council had spent £2.2m over the original estimate of £580,000.
The response says:
"Yes, the new council website is costing more than was originally estimated but actually it’s not an overspend. Originally, the website replacement project was just that – a replacement for the (obsolete) technology we are using. And then we rethought; the new website will be at the heart of delivering improved services to everyone who lives in, works in or visits Birmingham. This is a totally different proposition, and a totally different approach – and budget – was required.
"Also, yes, we did consider Open Source but no, it wasn’t suitable, otherwise we’d be using it.
"And again, yes, the website is being delivered later than was originally planned but it’s not the same website as was originally planned."
The comments on the post ask further questions, for example, Brenda points out: "You have ruled out the use of RSS feeds, which are essential in any modern website for a number of reasons, not least readibility. Perhaps the people advising you can tell us what’s so world class about leaving RSS out?"
Meanwhile in the investigation Benjibrum has turned up a document (PDF) which suggests BCC has had a more positive experience with open source than suggested and continues to look at the accessibility of the new site.
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