Defence Equipment Programme
2021-02-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about cost overruns and inefficiencies in the defence programme, citing the need for better management to ensure fiscal responsibility.
What steps he is taking to improve cost controls within the defence equipment programme. I am concerned about the escalating costs and difficulties in agreeing priorities, which has led to significant overspending and inefficiency in our defence projects.
We are implementing changes through the acquisition transformation scheme to improve cost controls. Through the outline strategic case, we are ensuring that the right expertise is brought together at the outset, so that projects are properly risk assessed and, with the right commercial expertise available, set up for success.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific measures or timelines for improvements in cost controls.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The National Audit Office has concluded that the defence equipment plan remains unaffordable for the fourth consecutive year, despite increased funding. The MP is concerned about ensuring this investment delivers necessary capabilities without disappearing into a black hole.
While the extra money for defence is to be welcomed, how will the Minister ensure that the investment does not simply disappear into a black hole but delivers on the new capabilities we need as a nation to deal with emerging security threats? The NAO has concluded that the plan remains unaffordable for the fourth year in a row.
We need to invest in the right capabilities to meet the threats of the future. This is being undertaken through the integrated review, which will set out the overarching strategic priorities for the Government in meeting the needs of this country across a broad spectrum of foreign affairs and defence.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific strategies or mechanisms to ensure effective utilisation of funding.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The NAO states that industry has a prioritised list of funding options following a multi-criteria decision analysis exercise, suggesting this could be valuable in ensuring proper allocation of resources.
Will the Minister commit to publishing that list of priorities? The industry has a prioritised list of funding options which sounds worthwhile and it would be beneficial if these were published for transparency and accountability.
It is from that strategic set of decisions that we need then to ensure that our procurement follows. The outcome of the integrated review will set out these priorities, but no direct commitment to publishing the industry's prioritised list was given.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to publishing the industry's prioritised list and instead referred to an upcoming strategic review.
Response accuracy