Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency

The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) was a UK government agency providing computer and telecoms support to Government departments.

History

Formation

In 1957, the UK Government formed the Technical Support Unit (TSU) of HM Treasury (HMT) to evaluate and advise on computers, initially based around engineers from the telecommunications service..

As this unit evolved, it morphed into the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA), which also had responsibilities as a central procurement body for government technological equipment.

CCTA's work during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s was primarily to (a) develop central government IT professionalism, (b) create a body of knowledge and experience in the successful development and implementation of IS/IT within UK central government (c) to brief Government Ministers on the opportunities for use of IS/IT to support policy initiatives (e.g. "Citizen's Charter" / "e-Government") and (d) to encourage and assist UK private sector companies to develop and offer products and services aligned to Government needs.