Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Public Spending: Value for Money

Thursday 27 October 2022 · 4 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial colleagues hold departments accountable to ensure value for money in public spending.
  • The Procurement Bill aims to bring uniformity and transparency in regulations and increase opportunities for SMEs.
  • The Minister will provide details on the work done regarding heating temperatures in public buildings for winter.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Parliamentary Procedure
Context

No specific context provided, directly addressing the need to ensure value for money in government spending.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure value for money in public spending.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

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.

Answered
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Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific principles not addressed

How: Bringing Greater Uniformity, Greater Transparency

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Q3 Robert Goodwill Con
Energy Environment
Context

Concern about the temperatures at which public buildings are heated this winter and whether more can be done to improve their energy performance.

Question

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?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

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.

Not addressed: Specifics on winter heating temperatures and long-term improvements

How: Will Have To Get Back, Valid Point Raised

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Q4 Florence Eshalomi Labour (Co-op) Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Business & Trade
Context

Highlighting the impact of ignoring qualified companies during the pandemic, missing economic opportunities for social enterprises, and advocating for a fairer procurement process.

Question

Will the Minister cut red tape to create a fairer procurement process that gives all small businesses a fighting chance?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on cutting red tape

How: Welcomes First Dispatch Box Performance, Commonality Of View

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