Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress her Department has made on the Government's decision to put out to tender four new cutters for UK Border Force.

Decisions regarding the procurement of vessels for Border Force remains subject to the strategic case for new investment, which will be developed further following the publication of the Spending Review outcome. The Home Office continues to engage with other relevant Government departments, notably within the context of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSbS) refresh, announced earlier this year. The Home Office remains responsible for conducting any procurement.

Consistent with The Treasury Green Book guidance, the assessment of different options will reflect fuel savings and other whole life costs.

Should a procurement proceed, social value would be included within tender evaluation criteria in line with Cabinet Office guidance (minimum of 10% weighting).

The NSbS refresh will outline the Government’s plans for shipbuilding programmes and how it intends to create the conditions for a globally successful, innovative and sustainable national shipbuilding enterprise.

The procurement will be conducted in line with wider government policy, guidance and legal obligations, appropriately reflecting the nature of Border Force operations.

All procurement and contract activity undertaken by the Home Office reflects legislation and wider government policy intended to ensure best practice and value for money, in particular as reflected in The Treasury Green Book. Other relevant guidance includes:

(a) All Public Procurement Regulations

(b) Social Value Act 2012

(c) Public Sector Equality Duty, contained within the Equality Act 2010

(d) The Modern Slavery Act 2015

(e) The Bribery Act 2010

(f) Managing Public Money guidance

(g) Cabinet Office and HMT controls as set out on GOV.UK including the Government Commercial Operating Standards and the Outsourcing Playbook

Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Notes and best practice