Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of software licences that restrict specific uses of that software, such as customisation of capabilities, on the digital transformation programmes set out in the Spending Review 2025 (CP1336).

The Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence is pursuing multiple strategies to improve value for money and outcomes in digital purchasing, including development of a digital sourcing strategy, central buying of commodity services, creation of technical enablers and joined up management of strategic digital suppliers.

Through our digital sourcing strategy and digital supplier management we will engage with suppliers to ensure appropriate licensing to achieve our digital transformation outcomes, as well as ensure we do not over customise capabilities risking them becoming legacy in the future.