Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assumptions her Department made on Capita’s ability to deliver the contracted services in the context of reports from the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee.

The appointment of Capita followed a procurement process conducted in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015), with their selection primarily driven by proposed improvements to digital infrastructure and member services. In evaluating whether to award the contract and subsequently proceed with service transition, the Department considered risks relating to technical delivery, cyber security, and operational continuity for the scheme's 1.7 million members. Proceeding with transition ensured that regular monthly pension payments would continue uninterrupted and was rooted in a upfront evaluation, risk assessment, and cross-government approval process.