Joe Robertson

Performance management is managed by individual departments, meaning this information is not held centrally. In March, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced that the Government will be strengthening performance processes for the SCS.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 18 March 2025 in response to question 36675.

Information on supplier organisations’ affiliations with trade unions is not held.

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.

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, businesses and civil society. 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 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.

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.

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, businesses and civil society. 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 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.

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.

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, businesses and civil society. 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 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.

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.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 3 March 2025 in response to question 34005.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 3 March 2025 in response to question 33867.

For contracts awarded under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which was established by the previous government, exclusions information is not collated centrally.

However, the Procurement Act 2023 (which came into effect on 24 February 2025) introduces a new requirement on contracting authorities to notify an appropriate authority where a supplier has been excluded.

To date, there has not been a notification of exclusion under the environmental misconduct grounds.

Information on supplier organisations’ affiliations with trade unions is not held.

Cabinet Office has previously not kept a central record of contracts terminated due to non-performance.

When contracts awarded under the Procurement Act 2023 (which came into force 24 February 2025) come to an end, the Contracting Authority must publish a Contract Termination Notice on Find A Tender – the central digital platform for all UK public sector contract notices. No Termination Notices have yet been published for contracts awarded under the Procurement Act 2023.

From 1 April 2013, suppliers bidding for contracts over £5million must provide details about its tax returns, including whether tax returns submitted on or after 1 October 2012 have given rise to a criminal conviction for tax related offences which is unspent, or to a civil penalty for fraud or evasion.

The Cabinet Office does not keep records of the tax status of successful suppliers.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Yes, please find the letter attached.

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.

The Cabinet Office regularly discusses workforce matters with Civil Service trade unions. The Cabinet Office does not keep records of other departments’ ministers’ meetings.

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.

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.

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.

The transition to net zero is critical for driving growth and delivering new jobs. This government has been clear that decarbonisation should not mean deindustrialisation.

This government is working with business, including through the Industrial Strategy (IS) to secure growth, including in sectors that will help us meet our Net Zero ambitions such as in Clean Energy Industries and Advanced Manufacturing. As set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper published in November 2024, the forthcoming IS will support growth that is aligned with our net zero and environmental objectives by capturing the growth opportunities of the clean energy mission and net zero transition; identifying and supporting clean energy sectors with the greatest growth potential; and aligning sector plans with net zero and environmental objectives.

I refer the member for Isle of Wight East to the answer I provided to UIN 34002 on 4 March 2025.

The Department has not included diversity quotas in any contracts awarded by the Department since 5 July 2024.

The Department of Business and Trade has awarded and published 185 contracts over £10,000 ex VAT since 5 July 2024; 52 (28%) of which were to UK based SMEs.

Against the current fiscal backdrop, the Government is clear that changes to the business rates system should be affordable and sustainable. It is not realistic to continue this support indefinitely. Without any Government intervention, Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief would have ended in April, creating a cliff-edge for businesses.

We are providing support for retail, hospitality and leisure properties in the interim period leading up to the new permanent multiplier by providing 40% relief to RHL businesses on their business rates in 2025-26, up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.  For example, we are freezing the small business multiplier and protecting over a million properties from inflationary bill increases.

HMT are conducting engagement on future business rate reform and are encouraging stakeholders to provide written evidence prior to March 2025. This will provide any sized retailer to share their concerns directly with HMT.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) offer a compelling programme of trade shows and events to support agriculture exporters to access new markets, build buyer connections and increase their marketing in target countries, all underpinned by our GREAT marketing programme. We also host outward missions of exporters and inward buyer missions, creating as many opportunities as possible for businesses to connect and secure tangible connections and contracts.

Minister Jones recently attended 100+ Accelerator Demo Day and Sustainable Innovation Expo as well as the Food and Drink Federation Investment Summit