Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the Commission has made of the potential impact of Parliamentary Digital Service permissions for third-party casework management systems on competition between suppliers; and what steps it is taking to ensure that such permissions do not unnecessarily restrict competition or increase costs to the public purse.

Answered by Nick Smith

The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) recognises the important role that digital tools, including casework management platforms, play in supporting Members and their staff in serving constituents effectively.

Many such tools require integration with Parliamentary IT services, including email and other systems. This integration must be managed carefully to protect Parliamentary and constituent data and maintain the security of Parliamentary systems.

Access is currently available to only a limited number of suppliers, reflecting arrangements that were established to meet operational needs at the time.

As the market for casework management tools has evolved, PDS is actively working to enable secure integration arrangements in a way that supports Member choice and creates a level playing field for suppliers. This includes trialling the technology that would facilitate this integration, as well as developing minimum standards for suppliers in areas such as cyber and information security.

The House Administration keeps its approach under review and is engaging with Members, their staff and suppliers to ensure the appropriate balance between security, functionality and competition.

Found: Campbell-Savours (Labour; Penrith and Solway) Charlotte Cane (Liberal Democrat; Ely and East Cambridgeshire) Sam Carling

Found: Campbell-Savours (Labour; Penrith and Solway) Charlotte Cane (Liberal Democrat; Ely and East Cambridgeshire) Sam Carling