The "Report Into Key Government Websites", commissioned by the Interactive Bureau and conducted by Porter Research, examined usability issues affecting each site, including design, navigation, performance and accessibility.
The most common faults found were: a lack of basic services and information; failure to respond to simple e-mail requests; poor design; inadequate navigation which confuses visitors; slow load speeds; and large numbers of technical errors inhibiting the sites' operation.
According to the report, the worst web site was that of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency whilst the Prime Minister's site followed, scoring only 40% in a test against criteria set out in the Government's own web guidelines.
The authors of the report specifically characterised the PM's site as a "mess" that needs a "thorough overhaul from top to bottom", due to poor maintenance, incompatibility with certain browsers and lack of contacts for the PM's office.
The best site examined was that of the Department for Education & Skills followed by the site of the Equal Opportunities Commission. Those sites were characterised as "beacons of excellence in a dark night."
The report concludes:
"[The Government] should stop adding to its web sites now, pause, and concentrate for a moment on getting the ones that it has delivering their information in a clear, appropriate, audience-focused tone and presentational style."
A review of the overall findings of the report, which was published on 4th November, is available from:
www.iablondon.com/news/news.cfm?newsID=149