Public Spending Value for Money 2022-10-27
2022-10-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
No specific context provided, directly addressing the need to ensure value for money in government spending.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure value for money in public spending.
Our Treasury colleagues hold us all to account to secure value for money. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority provides advice and assurance on the Government's major projects portfolio, supporting robust project cost estimates and building delivery capacity and capability. Its 2022 annual report sets out progress made across the GMPP.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Criticism of Conservative government's approach to public spending, highlighting misuse of taxpayer money during the pandemic. Concerns about missing principles in the Procurement Bill.
Can the Minister explain why principles such as 'public good', 'value for money', 'transparency', and others are not included in the Procurement Bill despite promises?
During the pandemic, civil servants worked to get necessary PPE where it was required. The Procurement Bill will bring uniformity and transparency in regulations across Government and provide more opportunities for SMEs to exploit benefits of Government procurement.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific principles not addressed
Bringing Greater Uniformity
Greater Transparency
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concern about the temperatures at which public buildings are heated this winter and whether more can be done to improve their energy performance.
What work has been done across Government to look at the temperatures at which public buildings are heated this winter, and what longer-term improvements can be made?
I will have to get back with details of the work done. He raises a valid point about considering costs of energy and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on winter heating temperatures and long-term improvements
Will Have To Get Back
Valid Point Raised
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Highlighting the impact of ignoring qualified companies during the pandemic, missing economic opportunities for social enterprises, and advocating for a fairer procurement process.
Will the Minister cut red tape to create a fairer procurement process that gives all small businesses a fighting chance?
Welcomes her first Dispatch Box performance and agrees there is commonality to work together to cut red tape, reduce regulation, and increase opportunities for smaller companies through the Procurement Bill.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on cutting red tape
Welcomes First Dispatch Box Performance
Commonality Of View
Response accuracy