The Scottish public sector spent over £1.4 billion on ITC in 2009 a new report has found, as proposals were outlined which will aim to save over £1 billion to Scotland's public purse through ICT over the next five years.

A review of the public sector ICT infrastructure has been carried out by John McClelland who previously oversaw a review into Scottish public sector procurement, recommending that an overarching national ICT strategy be developed to address the news of each part of the public sector, including universities and councils, should move to share procurement and use of ICT.

The findings will now be considered by the Scottish Government.

"Given my involvement in the global ICT Industry over many years, I was pleased to be asked by John Swinney to conduct this review of its use in the public sector in Scotland. I hope that the findings from my report and implementation of its recommendations will help not only to deliver financial savings but also encourage the use of this technology to improve the quality of and access to public services,” said McLelland.