Downloads of a Welsh Government mobile phone app have increased after the issue was recently raised by Welsh Conservatives.
The ‘Choose Well’ application has now been downloaded 1,772 times since its July launch – a rise of 33 per cent on figures revealed at the start of November (1,183).
At that point, the app had cost the government 26,348 pounds.
The slight rise is far below claims made by the Local Government Minister in the Assembly last month however. Speaking during a Welsh Conservative debate on winter pressures, Carl Sargeant claimed the app had been downloaded an extra 35,000 times since it was highlighted by Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar AM.
Mr Millar said, "Even the most optimistic would struggle to mistake an extra 600 downloads for 35 thousand. I think the minister may have slightly over-exaggerated the app’s newfound popularity.
"It’s good to see more interest however and I’m more than happy to assist and do the government’s job for them. It’s clear they’re not very good at it.
"The principle behind this idea remains positive and constructive. The worries over costs and downloads remain. Taxpayers deserve value for money and I am still not convinced this has been achieved.
"More work must be done on raising awareness of this app and the cost of future projects considered very carefully."
Notes:
Relevant WAQs and Assembly Record of Proceedings below:
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Further to WAQ61459, will the Minister provide an update on how many people have downloaded the Welsh Government’s ‘Choose Well’ app. (WAQ61778)
Lesley Griffiths: There have been 1,772 downloads of the ‘Choose Well’ app since it was launched on 17 July. This is an increase of 33% since I answered your same question on the 5 November.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What were the total costs of developing the Welsh Government’s ‘Choose Well’ application (please include a breakdown of costs including procurement processes, employee time, contractual costs and any future obligations). (WAQ61522)
Lesley Griffiths: The total cost attributed to the development of the Welsh Government ‘Choose Well’ application for mobile smart phones was £26,348.
There were no additional staff costs associated with the development of the application.
There are no future cost obligations.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): How many people have downloaded the Welsh Government’s ‘Choose Well’ app. (WAQ61459)
Lesley Griffiths: There have been 1183 downloads of the ‘Choose Well’ app since it was launched on 17 July.
Wednesday 21st November, Welsh Conservative debate, National Assembly:
Carl Sargeant: I know of his effectiveness as a local salesman, because, when Darren tweeted about the Choose Well app, we had an increase of 35,000 people downloading the app. That is a much more cost-effective way for us to introduce the app.