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Written question asked by Samantha Niblett (Labour) on Friday, 30 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 (named day). It was answered by Feryal Clark (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.


Digital Technology: Public Sector

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of restrictive software licensing on the ability to achieve the digital transformation of public services.

Answer

Government procures software via a number of agreed frameworks which are tendered via the Crown Commercial Service and are awarded under the relevant procurement regulations. The introduction of the new procurement act 2023 will provide government with an ability to consider how such services are contracted in the future.

The creation of the Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence is overseeing the development of sourcing/category strategies to co-ordinate how we shape demand, drive down usage and optmise the way such assets are used. This work is currently underway.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
55785
Session
2024-26
Related items
Digital Technology: Public Sector
Friday, 13 June 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Software Digital technology Licensing Public sector
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk