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Welsh Digital Learning Platform Hwb Condemned as Waste of Funds

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 8:35 GMT by Wales Online
      Locales: Wales, UNITED KINGDOM

Cardiff, Wales - February 15th, 2026 - A scathing report has condemned Hwb, the Welsh Government's \u00a3136 million digital learning platform for schools, as a project spiraling out of control and a significant waste of public funds. The findings, published today by the Public Accounts Committee, detail a decade of delays, escalating costs, and persistent functionality issues that have left educators frustrated and taxpayers footing the bill for a system that consistently underperforms.

The Hwb platform was initially envisioned as a comprehensive online resource, providing schools across Wales with access to educational materials, communication tools, and administrative services. However, the committee's report paints a grim picture of mismanagement and a lack of effective oversight. The initial target completion date of 2018 has long passed, and current estimates suggest full functionality won't be achieved until at least 2027 - a staggering nine years behind schedule.

"The evidence we've gathered is deeply concerning," stated Carolyn Harris, Labour MP and chair of the Public Accounts Committee. "Hwb has become a 'machine producing failure,' consistently failing to meet expectations and deliver the benefits promised to students and teachers. The Welsh Government has demonstrably lost control of this project, and the taxpayers of Wales are paying a hefty price for its shortcomings."

The report highlights a lack of clear accountability and a failure to address longstanding issues. Despite repeated warnings and mounting problems, the Welsh Government has not demonstrated sufficient action to rectify the situation. The exact total cost of the project remains unclear, adding to public concern and fueling accusations of financial mismanagement. Sources close to the committee suggest that cost overruns could be significantly higher than the initial \u00a3136 million estimate, although a precise figure is proving difficult to ascertain due to opaque reporting practices.

The issues with Hwb are multifaceted. Teachers have reported frequent technical glitches, unreliable access to resources, and a cumbersome user interface that hinders rather than helps the learning process. Some schools have resorted to using alternative, often free, platforms to provide essential digital services, effectively rendering a significant portion of the Hwb investment redundant. The report also notes a lack of effective training for teachers, leaving many unable to fully utilize the system's limited capabilities.

The committee's findings have sparked calls for a full independent review of Hwb, led by experts with demonstrable experience in large-scale IT project management. The review should assess the root causes of the project's failures, identify areas for improvement, and recommend a clear path forward. Crucially, the committee emphasizes the need for greater accountability, demanding that those responsible for the project's failings be held to account.

"This isn't just about wasted money," Harris explained. "It's about the impact on our children's education. We need a system that supports teachers, enhances learning, and prepares students for the digital age. Hwb, in its current state, is failing to do that."

Experts suggest that the Hwb debacle reflects a wider problem with government IT projects - a tendency to prioritize ambitious visions over realistic planning and effective execution. A lack of in-house expertise, reliance on external contractors, and a failure to adequately manage risk are all contributing factors. The Welsh Government has pledged to address the issues raised in the report, stating its commitment to delivering a successful Hwb system. However, critics remain skeptical, pointing to a pattern of promises unfulfilled.

Looking Ahead:

The Public Accounts Committee report serves as a stark warning to government departments across the UK. The Hwb case underscores the importance of rigorous project management, transparent reporting, and effective accountability. The Welsh Government now faces significant pressure to demonstrate a genuine commitment to turning the situation around and delivering a digital learning platform that finally lives up to its potential. Further scrutiny is expected in the coming months, as the committee monitors the government's response to its recommendations and assesses progress towards a functional and cost-effective Hwb system. The potential for a complete overhaul of the project, rather than continued attempts at patching up a fundamentally flawed system, is also being discussed amongst stakeholders.