Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Companies in Distress

Thursday 24 October 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government monitors strategic suppliers actively and puts in place contingency plans where there is risk of distress.
  • Independent providers of NHS services must hold an NHS provider licence unless exempt and are subject to financial and risk-based quality governance oversight.
  • Work is going on across Government to support economic growth and investment, ensuring that high streets thrive again.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jodie Gosling Lab Nuneaton
Business & Trade
Context

The Government's ability to respond to struggling companies is under scrutiny. The MP seeks to understand the steps taken by Cabinet colleagues to improve this.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase the Government's ability to respond to companies in distress?

Answer from Georgia Gould

The Government take seriously our role to ensure the resilience of Government suppliers. The Cabinet Office monitors strategic suppliers actively and puts in place contingency plans where there is risk of distress. The department works alongside other Departments, from the Department for Business and Trade and the Insolvency Service to the Treasury. We are supported by UK Government Investments with experience in corporate finance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed, as no concrete steps or plans were provided.

How: General Principles Stated Without Specifics

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Q2 Jodie Gosling Lab Nuneaton
NHS
Context

Following the collapse of five companies in the SK:N group, a significant employer in Nuneaton, the MP seeks details on government contingency plans to ensure continuity of services.

Question

Will the Minister please explain what steps the Government are taking to ensure that Departments have contingency plans to sustain the work of those companies to private healthcare patients?

Answer from Georgia Gould

Independent providers of NHS services must hold an NHS provider licence unless exempt. Licensed providers of hard-to-replace services are subject to financial and risk-based quality governance oversight to safeguard patient continuity. If the MP wishes to write with further details, the relevant Minister will get back.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; no concrete steps or contingency plans were provided for the SK:N group collapse specifically.

How: Cannot Comment On Specifics

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Q3 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Economy Business & Trade
Context

According to the latest Begbies Traynor's “Red Flag Alert” report, almost 48,000 companies in the south-west are now classed as in significant economic distress. The MP seeks information on support measures from the government and its Cabinet colleagues.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking with her Cabinet colleagues to support businesses in the south-west?

Answer from Georgia Gould

This Government are determined to support growth in this country. Work is going on across Government to support economic growth and investment, ensuring that high streets thrive again.

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed; no concrete steps or initiatives were provided for supporting businesses facing financial distress.

How: Broad Statements Without Specifics

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