Courtesy of iWeb Business Intelligence

The use of big data analytics could save the UK public sector between £16 billion and £33 billion a year - equivalent to between 2.5% and 4.5% of the government's total budget of about £700 billion, according to a report by think-tank, the Policy Exchange,  Computing.co.uk reports.

The report, called "The Big Data Opportunity: Making government faster, smarter and more personal", argues that the savings, which equate to £250 to £500 per head of the population, can only be achieved if public sector leaders and policy-makers combine the scientific method of big data with sound judgement.

In its recommendations, it said a new advanced analytics team should be established in the CabinetOffice with responsibility for identifying big data opportunities and helping departments to realise them.

The team would work with departments to transform public policy delivery by "applying data and analytics in new, imaginative and/or more sophisticated ways".

Overall though, it seems the government will be likely to make avail of big data analytics services, which are increasingly being offered through the channel,  Channel Biz writes.

According to Iain Gravestock at the KPMG IT Advisory practice, big data offers a good way to create a more efficient public sector.

"We are pleased that Policy Exchange recognises that the information underpinning public services is an essential asset in the battle for better efficiency," Gravestock said.

"More robust information and, more importantly, its analysis, is key to deciding the best use of diminishing resources across the public sector."