Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Debbie Abrahams and Nick Hurd

Wednesday 20th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hurd]

I recognise that there are all kinds of challenges for small organisations and, in particular, for small voluntary groups and charities in competing for public service contracts. We are opening up many more opportunities for them than there were under the previous Administration. We are working actively through things like the commissioning academy and new master classes around the country to tool up small organisations so that they can compete more effectively for such contracts.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

11. What steps his Department is taking to reduce the level of late payment by public sector contractors to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Debbie Abrahams and Nick Hurd

Wednesday 13th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hurd]

The team does some very interesting work on encouraging behaviour to change in cost-effective ways. If my hon. Friend looks at the annual report, she will see some good examples. For instance, by slightly changing the wording in letters sent out by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to self-assessment taxpayers who owed money, the team increased payment rates from 68% to 83%, which is estimated to lead to savings of £30 million a year in administrative and court costs if rolled out across the country.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

10. What steps he has taken to ensure clarity and efficiency in the delivery of policy across Government.