Public Procurement Net Zero 2023-05-11
2023-05-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the role of public procurement in achieving government's net zero emissions goals.
What assessment has been made of the role of public procurement policy in helping the Government meet their net zero targets?
Government suppliers are required to report emissions and commit to UK's net zero target for contracts above £5 million per annum, failing which they risk exclusion from procurement processes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific role of public sector food and catering services in carbon reduction was not addressed.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question builds on the initial inquiry regarding public procurement policies. The MP references a significant annual expenditure of £5 billion on public sector food and catering services and highlights concerns raised in Henry Dimbleby's national food strategy about monopolistic practices in this area.
Around £5 billion a year is spent on public sector food and catering services, and the national food strategy—Henry Dimbleby's version—said that public food procurement is dominated by a quasi-monopoly. How does that fit in with the policy note on carbon reductions, and are the Government looking to food suppliers through those contracts to reduce their carbon emissions?
Net zero is a big principle for Government, including procurement work. Important debates around this occurred during the Procurement Bill passage.
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Assessment & feedback
The specifics of how food suppliers are encouraged to reduce carbon emissions and address monopolistic practices were not provided.
Important Principle
Debates
Response accuracy