Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Shared Services

Thursday 5 March 2026 · 2 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

  • Lorraine Beavers inquired about discussions on the procurement of business process services for the Synergy programme.
  • The Cabinet Office supported the Department for Work and Pensions by sharing lessons from the civil service pension scheme transition.
  • The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions received assurances from Capita regarding their responsibilities under the Synergy contract.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lorraine Beavers Lab Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Brexit Business Compliance
Context

Discussions around the procurement of business process services within the Synergy programme, a shared services initiative across government departments.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the procurement of the business process services element of the Synergy programme in the context of shared services across Government.

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Cabinet Office provided support to the Department for Work and Pensions on this matter, including by sharing the lessons learned from the recent transition of the civil service pension scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific procurement discussions with Cabinet colleagues.

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Q2 Lorraine Beavers Lab Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Benefits & Welfare Standards & Ethics
Context

Capita is the preferred bidder for a £700 million contract for shared services across Departments. There are concerns about Capita's performance in administering the civil service pension scheme, affecting hundreds of constituents.

Question

Last week, I heard that the Government have made Capita the preferred bidder for a £700 million contract for shared services across Departments. Are they having a laugh? Given Capita's appalling performance in administrating the civil service pension scheme, which has affected hundreds of my constituents, will the Minister urgently review the procurement process for this contract? Will he commit to bringing this work back in-house to ensure that Capita does not mess this contract up as well?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has sought and received specific assurances from Capita regarding the Synergy contract. Members across the House should be in no doubt about this Government's desire to hold Capita robustly to account for its responsibilities under its contracts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to reviewing the procurement process or bringing the work back in-house.

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