Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Small Business Bids for Government Contracts

Thursday 31 March 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is increasing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises by publishing contract pipelines and simplifying bidding processes.
  • The Minister will review the carbon reduction plan requirements to ensure they are proportionate for small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • The Government aims to achieve greater transparency in procurement processes to drive better value for money.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Business & Trade
Context

Small businesses in Harrow East face challenges in obtaining government contracts. Recent figures show £15.5 billion was paid to SMEs in 2019-20.

Question

What steps the Government is taking to increase opportunities for small businesses to bid for Government contracts?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We are increasing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises by transparently publishing contract pipelines and simplifying bidding processes. These measures are working, with £15.5 billion paid to SMEs in 2019-20.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Lewer Con
Climate Business & Trade
Context

Policy procurement note 06/21 introduces carbon reduction requirements for Government procurement over £5 million, which may be onerous for small businesses.

Question

How will Ministers try to make the new carbon reduction plan requirements more proportionate for SMEs?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The £5 million figure applies per annum, with advice available from private sector organisations. The Minister will look at this point to reassure the House that it is proportionate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures not detailed beyond reminder of existing figures and availability of support

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Q3 Neil Parish Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The South West Food Hub's funding was withdrawn by the Crown Commercial Service, halting plans to test a dynamic procurement system.

Question

What can be done to speed up the roll-out of the dynamic procurement model for public sector food procurement?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The memorandum of understanding with the South West Food Hub did not include specific funding, but the Minister is keen to work with the hon. Friend on this issue and explore it further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not detailed beyond expressing willingness to meet and discuss

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Q4 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Standards & Ethics
Context

The transparency of the Government's procurement processes is being questioned.

Question

Will taxpayers benefit from greater transparency regarding contracts and their value?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Simpler and more transparent processes drive better value for money. The planned procurement legislation aims to achieve this transparency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances not provided beyond general commitment

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Q5 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Tameside Council developed an initiative to award contracts locally, but this is no longer possible under current rules.

Question

Can there be a Britain Works First initiative encouraging local government and central Government to award more contracts to British companies?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Local businesses often have pride in their service, reflecting quality beyond tender prices. The procurement legislation considers social value and wider factors such as food miles and quality.

Partly answered

Not addressed: General principles stated without specific measures for local procurement

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Q6 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

There is a desire to support small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland to access government contracts.

Question

What can be done to enable SMEs in Northern Ireland to obtain more Government contracts?

Answer from Steve Barclay

There is around £250 billion-worth of public procurement and £50 billion-worth of central Government public procurement, with a focus on enabling SMEs in Northern Ireland to get visibility of the pipeline.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures not detailed beyond mentioning figures for visibility

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