Covid-19 Government Use of Consultants 2020-11-12
2020-11-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the effectiveness of government outsourcing, citing instances where private companies were contracted to provide services such as PPE procurement and virtual court operations.
I am concerned about the effectiveness of Government outsourcing during the covid-19 outbreak. What assessment has he made?
Working effectively with the private sector is vital for our response to tackling the covid-19 crisis, allowing us to procure quickly and innovatively. We have turned to the private sector for PPE procurement and virtual courts service. Contracting authorities must use good commercial judgment and continue to achieve value for money for taxpayers. Through “The Outsourcing Playbook” we are improving decision making and quality of contracts.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment of effectiveness or address all aspects of outsourcing
We Are Clear Throughout That Contracting Authorities Must Use Good Commercial Judgment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP points out the government's failure to publish details about £4 billion worth of COVID-19 related contracts, suggesting a breach of law and calling for an independent inquiry.
The Government failed to publish any information on £4 billion-worth of covid-related contracts awarded to private companies. Will he hold an independent inquiry—and if not, why?
I am unaware of the details of the allegations but would be grateful if she wrote to me. The National Audit Office will conduct an external review and we are also doing our own internal review to satisfy ourselves that there is no basis for these criticisms.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to holding an independent inquiry
I Am Unaware Of The Details
Would Be Grateful If She Wrote To Me
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the payment of high fees to consultants involved in test and trace efforts, citing examples of contracts awarded without appropriate scrutiny.
Taxpayers' money has been spent on costly consultants. Consultants are paid up to £7,000 a day for test and trace, which is a failure. Does the Minister think it is right?
We wish to reassure the public through external and internal audits. We were advised by Labour that we should be looking into various companies but found no basis for those leads. We were trying to procure at speed and have confidence in PPE contracts.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether paying consultants up to £7,000 a day is appropriate
We Wish To Reassure The Public
Found No Basis For Those Leads
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the role of private companies like Deloitte in establishing testing facilities, highlighting inefficiencies and questioning Public Health England's lack of involvement.
Some agencies chosen for procurement are not fit for purpose. Why was Public Health England not more involved in setting up a testing centre in south Leamington?
There is some naivety from Labour Members about how easy these operations are at speed. We have to thank the private sector for support in this difficult time. Public sector workers may be sucked out of other important frontline services.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoided addressing involvement of public health bodies and questioned Labour's understanding instead
There Is Some Naivety From Labour Members
We Have To Thank The Private Sector
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP points out that £1.04 billion of government contracts were directly awarded to companies with links to the Conservative Party's donors during the pandemic, questioning integrity.
£1,040,585,807 is the value of Government contracts awarded without competitive tender to firms linked to Conservative party friends or donors. Why does it seem all cheques and no balances?
The hon. Lady makes a serious insinuation about some of the ways in which contracts were let. We have external and internal audits to investigate allegations and ensure they are baseless.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why these contracts were awarded without competitive tender
The Hon. Lady Makes A Serious Insinuation
We Have External And Internal Audits
Response accuracy