Public Procurement 2024-10-24
2024-10-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP noted concerns about waste, inefficiency, and cronyism in public procurement under the previous government.
What steps he is taking to reform public procurement. Under the previous Government, there was significant waste and inefficiency. How will this be addressed?
We are ending waste and cronyism by bringing forward a new national procurement policy statement under the Procurement Act 2023, which will deliver a mission-led regime focusing on value for money, economic growth, and social value. Steps have been taken to cut wasteful consultancy spending and appoint a covid counter-fraud commissioner.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how exactly the new policy statement addresses issues of cronyism or inefficiency with concrete actions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MP referenced a major procurement scandal under the previous Conservative Government, involving contracts given to mates and donors.
Will the Minister update the House on steps taken to ensure there will never be a repeat of this procurement scandal? Residents are angry and disgusted with past actions.
The Chancellor appointed a new covid counter-fraud commissioner, and I am working closely with the Public Sector Fraud Authority to detect fraud through advanced AI and analytics. We are pushing every avenue for recovery of public money and prevention of such incidents in future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically address how these steps ensure that a repeat scandal will never happen again.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
MP noted the potential of public procurement to drive positive change, especially given past financial challenges.
Does the Minister agree that proper embedding of social value is crucial for delivering positive change through procurement? What steps will she take on this front?
I agree that public sector procurement can drive societal change. We are consulting on a new national procurement policy statement that sets out expectations around mission delivery and social value, aiming to open up opportunities for communities across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps beyond consultations or concrete commitments.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
MP asked about ensuring small and medium-sized enterprises have access to public procurement opportunities.
What steps have been taken to ensure that SMEs in Northern Ireland can secure goods for their business through public procurement, aiding economic growth?
Supporting SMEs is a priority. We are consulting on the new national procurement policy statement and looking across government work to ensure SME inclusion. We will come back to the House with more details.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete actions beyond consultations or future plans without clear timelines.
Response accuracy