One of the apps, called Jobcentre Plus, lets users search for jobs in England, Scotland and Wales. The app, which is also available for Android phones, has drawn some criticism because it still doesn't support iOS4. The developers promised that a new version will be released "shortly."
Slapped with a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the UK government revealed that the cost of development of these apps ranged from £10,000 - £40,000 ($15,000 - $61,000). The numbers may not sound too high, but BBC wasn't able to find out the cost of development of some apps, as UK Home Office declined to give the information citing "security concerns."
Furthermore, the numbers are significant given the fact that this same government is currently trying to save on web development. It spent £94 million ($143 million) on website development and running costs, as well as £32 million on web staff in 2009 - 2010, which prompted the government to conduct a review of all 820 of its websites.