Every parliamentary written question tabled by Joe Robertson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 21–36 of 36 · Cabinet Office
How many public contracts awarded by the Crown Commercial Service have included mandatory commitments to publish suppliers’ gender and ethnicity pay gaps since 5 July 2024.
I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 3 March 2025 in response to question 34005.
How many procurement contracts awarded by his Department have been awarded without competitive tendering since 5 July 2024.
It is Cabinet Office policy to publish contracts with a value of over £10,000 on Contracts Finder within 30 days of contract award. The Contract Notices published on Contracts Finder between 5 July 2024 and the present date include information on Procedure type, which will allow the requestor to determine how many contracts above £10,000 have been awarded by Cabinet Office without the use of competitive tendering. Identifying the number of procurement contracts since 5 July 2024 that are under the value of £10,000 and awarded without competitive tendering would incur a disproportionate cost to the department.
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement published on 13 February 2025, what steps the Government has taken to support small-to-medium-sized businesses to adapt to new procurement processes.
The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. As part of this I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually. This will drive greater transparency and accountability for increasing numbers of SMEs and VCSEs delivering public contracts, supporting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs in local communities up and down the country. To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials. The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what estimate he has made of the cost for contracting authorities of implementing (a) that Statement and (b) the Employment Rights Bill.
The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts. An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767. The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) that Statement and (b) the Employment Rights Bill on public sector procurement timelines.
The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts. An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767. The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what steps he is taking to monitor the potential impact of the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on small-to-medium-sized business participation in public procurement.
The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. As part of this I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually. This will drive greater transparency and accountability for increasing numbers of SMEs and VCSEs delivering public contracts, supporting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs in local communities up and down the country. To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials. The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what guidance he has issued to contracting authorities on the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement’s procurement priorities and (b) Employment Rights Bill's mandate for statutory probation periods.
The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts. An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767. The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments
With reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what steps he is taking to ensure that enhanced procurement obligations do not increase public spending.
The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts. An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767. The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments
How many public procurement contracts issued by the Crown Commercial Service have included mandatory commitments to trade union recognition since July 2024.
I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 3 March 2025 in response to question 33867.
How many public contracts awarded by his Department have been subject to investigations for (a) fraud and (b) corruption since 5 July 2024.
The Government takes any allegations of fraud and corruption very seriously. 5 contracts have been referred to the Cabinet Office Assurance, Compliance and Counter Fraud Team for consideration of allegations of fraud or corruption.
With reference to his Answer to the Question from the hon. Member for Isle of Wight East of 6 March 2025, Official Report, if he will publish the letter.
Yes, please find the letter attached.
Pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2025 to Question 31697 on Department for Work and Pensions: Muslim Council of Britain, if the Prime Minister will have discussions with the Minister for Social Security and Disability on his attendance at that event.
Our policy on engagement with the Muslim Council of Britain has not changed. I refer the Hon Member to the answer of the Rt Hon Member for East Ham on 27 February 2025, Official Report, PQ 31697.
Which Ministers have met with security staff workers and their representatives to discuss possible strikes.
The Cabinet Office regularly discusses workforce matters with Civil Service trade unions. The Cabinet Office does not keep records of other departments’ ministers’ meetings.
What steps he has taken to minimise disruption to government business during the security staff strike.
The hard work of security guards and other staff keeps the government running. The Government Property Agency has been working to ensure impacted buildings continue to operate safely and securely during the industrial action.
Whether the Government plans to review the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 in relation to hon. Members serving custodial sentences.
The Government has no plans to review, and is not currently planning to legislate to extend the disqualification criteria for standing as a candidate in UK general elections or membership of the House of Commons beyond the criteria currently set out in the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 and the Representation of the People Act 1981. We remain committed to ensuring that our electoral arrangements are fit for purpose. In addition, there are already mechanisms in place to potentially remove MPs who receive custodial sentences. The Recall of MPs Act 2015 makes provision for a recall petition to be held in the constituency of any MP who is convicted of a crime and sentenced or ordered to be imprisoned or detained for up to twelve months. Should a sufficient number of eligible constituents sign the recall petition, that MP’s seat would be automatically vacated and a by-election held.
How many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.
This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Information on public reviews, consultations and investigations is available on Gov.uk, although there will always be internal work in government departments which we would not ordinarily or routinely publish.