Transparency in Government Contracts Covid-19 2021-02-11
2021-02-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Good Law Project exposed a breach of procurement law, questioning the transparency and accountability in £500 million-worth of taxpayers' money spent on PPE deals with Tory donors.
I am concerned about last week's admission that the Government breached procurement law by failing to publish details of COVID-19 contracts. The Good Law Project highlighted a lack of compliance with transparency obligations, and £500 million was spent on PPE deals with companies linked to Tory donors. Does this reflect a failed pandemic response, damaging trust in government?
I do not quite agree. It is fair to say we need to be vigilant with public money and contract awarding, but 99.5% of goods sourced for PPE were operational and effective. During the pandemic, procurement was done at speed based on suggestions from across the House, including Labour MPs.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the breach of procurement law or damage to public trust mentioned in the question.
Welcoming A New Member
Highlighting Speed And Effectiveness
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Institute for Government reported that 99% of the Government's COVID contracts did not go out to tender, raising concerns about procurement practices.
The Institute for Government highlighted that 99% of the Government's covid contracts had not gone through a formal tender process. Does this reflect a systemic issue with transparency and accountability? Will the Minister commit to winding down the extensive use of these extraordinary procurement powers?
Again, I welcome a new member to the shadow Cabinet Office team and look forward to working with her. We want best practice in all procurement, as highlighted in the Boardman report. During the pandemic, expedited practices were used for PPE due to global demand. Speed was prioritised based on suggestions from across the House.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the question about winding down emergency procurement powers or providing a date.
Welcoming New Member
Highlighting Best Practice
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Institute for Government reported that 99% of the Government's COVID contracts did not go out to tender, raising concerns about procurement practices.
The Institute for Government highlighted that 99% of the Government's covid contracts had not gone through a formal tender process. Does this reflect a systemic issue with transparency and accountability? Will the Minister commit to winding down the extensive use of these extraordinary procurement powers?
Again, I welcome a new member to the shadow Cabinet Office team and look forward to working with her. We want best practice in all procurement, as highlighted in the Boardman report. During the pandemic, expedited practices were used for PPE due to global demand. Speed was prioritised based on suggestions from across the House.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the question about winding down emergency procurement powers or providing a date.
Welcoming New Member
Highlighting Best Practice
Response accuracy