Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Julie Cooper Excerpts
Wednesday 27th June 2018

(6 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Julie Cooper Portrait Julie Cooper (Burnley) (Lab)
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What assessment has the Minister made of the cost implications where outsourced contracts have been overturned by the High Court because of incompetent procurement processes? I refer specifically to the expensive mess created by Conservative-controlled Lancashire County Council in connection with a Virgin contract for children’s services.

Oliver Dowden Portrait Oliver Dowden
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As the hon. Lady will know, the Cabinet Office has extensive processes to ensure successful procuring. If she is questioning the overall purpose of procuring, I refer her to the comments made earlier by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office. In addition, research shows that public authorities save at least 11% by contracting out services. That means more money for health and education.