Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether any (a) external contractors and (b) consultancy companies engaged by his Department have charged more than the initial price agreed for their services since May 2010.

This information is not held centrally because procurement and contract management responsibility is devolved to policy teams in DECC. Changes of price often occur when there is need for additional services. This involves negotiation will the contractor and is documented as a contract variation. The price for consultancy services is usually based upon agreed rates following supplier selection via competitive tender of the Crown Commercial Services ConsultancyOne framework. The price may change according to many variables depending on the nature of the work and circumstances.