Covid-19 Emergency Procurement Powers
2021-11-25
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The use of emergency procurement powers has been a contentious issue, with concerns raised about their misuse and inefficiency in delivering effective supplies.
When does the government plan to end the use of emergency procurement powers during the covid-19 outbreak?
Existing procurement rules allow the Government to procure at speed in emergencies. The process was justified at the start of the pandemic and further guidance has been issued since then. Transforming Public Procurement Green Paper proposals aim to update rules for extreme emergencies, with a response to consultation expected shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline for ending emergency procurement powers was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that the use of emergency procurement powers has been unjustified for over 20 months, with contracts going to political allies and unusable equipment being procured.
The use of emergency procurement powers during the pandemic has led to multiple contracts awarded to Tory friends and donors, and hundreds of millions wasted on unusable supplies. With 8 months since the consultation closed, when will the government end the use of these measures?
I reject the hon. Lady's characterisation; the National Audit Office found no evidence of misuse. Emergency procurement is crucial in saving lives during emergencies, with rules allowing quick action. Regulation 32 powers' use peaked in April-June 2020 and has since reduced by more than two thirds from April to September 2021 compared to the same period last year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline for ending emergency procurement measures was not provided.
Response accuracy