Francis Maude: our controlled approach to ICT won't change

Gill Hitchcock
Guardian Professional, Thursday 28 June 2012 08.00 BST

Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, will warn ICT suppliers today that spending controls will be a "permanent way of life" and that poorly performing companies will find it difficult to win new government contracts.
"Our cross-Whitehall controls on spending have made billions of cash savings for the taxpayer – something that has never been done before," said Maude.
"That's why I'm pleased to confirm that our controls will be a permanent feature, helping to change fundamentally the way government operates."
The 20 key government suppliers at the meeting, which the Cabinet Office said marks the next phase of its strategic supplier programme, represent some £15bn of central government spend.
The suppliers, who include Accenture, Airwave, Atos, BT, Capgemini, Capita, HP, IBM, Logica, Serco and Steria, will be asked for their feedback on the government's approach to business over the past two years.
To coincide with the meeting, the Cabinet Office said it is publishing new guidance about existing controls over central government procurement.
The guidance will cover controls on ICT contracts; advertising, marketing and communications; strategic supplier management; HR and workforce; and property.
Maude is expected to tell the meeting that formal information on a supplier's performance will be taken into consideration at the start of and during the procurement process.
The companies will also will be briefed about the expanded Cabinet Office team of negotiators and crown representatives. The team is intended to maximise the government's bulk-buying power to obtain discounts and end inflexible contracts.
The Cabinet Office also said that the team is intended to make life easier for business by providing a single contact.
Maude said: "We are ensuring that government operates in a more businesslike fashion than ever before. To deal with the deficit we inherited in 2010 and to protect every taxpayer's pound we are relentlessly driving efficiency savings."