Asked by: Kevan Jones (Labour - North Durham)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the tendering process for the Border Force's four new cutters will take into account money returned to HM Treasury through income tax, national insurance contributions, VAT and supply chain investment.
Answered by Tom Pursglove - Minister of State (Minister for Legal Migration and Delivery)
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
(c) Public Sector Equality Duty, contained within the Equality Act 2010
(d) The Modern Slavery Act 2015
(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
Asked by: Andrew Selous (Conservative - South West Bedfordshire)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will credit to victims of modern slavery the National Insurance contributions that were unpaid during the period of their slavery.
Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department for Work and Pensions recognises the difficulties faced by people found to be victims of modern slavery. The Department is currently exploring potential ways to ensure people who are victims of modern slavery are not disadvantaged in respect of their National Insurance records.