While I was in the office in Horsham and London last week Parliament formally resumed this Monday.
I am pleased to say I was “first up” in the Commons on our return presenting the “Procurement Bill”. This is a long and very technical Bill and I am realistic enough to know that even without that for many the subject matter doesn’t necessarily get the pulse racing!
It is however of critical importance. Public Sector Procurement costs £300billion every year and the Bill seizes an opportunity presented by Brexit to bring forward our own procurement regulations.
For many smaller companies the process of accessing Government procurement – which can be transformative – is simply too complex and too costly. We are changing that with standardised procedures available on-line; a duty to consider smaller companies and their needs in the procurement process; the publication of long term pipelines and a guarantee of prompt payment within 30 days right down the supply chain.
Smaller companies last year already secured more value from Government contracts than ever before – a trend I am determined to see continue - it’s multiple benefits include helping to drive innovation and making the U.K. more resilient in a troubled world.
Government procurement can also be used to secure wider objectives alongside generating the best economic value for money – for example improving skills and opportunity and driving forward our commitment to Net Zero.
Closer to home I was very concerned to hear of the impact on Kilnwood Vale residents of a car rally held last week. Dangerous and anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and this problem (which I have flagged previously) appears to have intensified. I have raised it at a senior level with the Police and am determined that this is tackled.
Last week I also met virtually with South East Water. For constituents in Handcross and Pease Pottage in particular, the water shortages before Christmas were hugely disruptive and worrying. There were serious and multiple problems faced by the water company following the massive (20 degree) swing in temperatures causing pipes to burst; but residents needed faster resolution. South East Water were left in no doubt on this and the need for better communications and appropriate compensation.
