Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to page 17 of the Government's Industrial Strategy: Rail Sector Deal, published in 2018, what steps his Department is taking through the Rail Sector Deal to address the lack of innovation opportunity in contracts due to current procurement methodology, and to promote outcome-focused whole life supply contracts to increase system reliability and avoid risk averse behaviours.

Strategic procurement of infrastructure which supports UK supply chains, skills and exports is a key part of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and through the Rail Sector Deal we are working with industry to promote procurement practices that support an innovative, highly-skilled, and productive British rail supply chain.

These improved practices may include more effective use by both public and private sector organisations of early contractor engagement, simplified tendering processes, and procurement balanced scorecards examining whole-life costs and benefits.

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is currently taking forward work on this element of the sector deal on behalf of the rail industry. Rail companies that would like to contribute should contact either RIA or the Rail Supply Group.