Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Forestry Commission: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether an impact assessment was carried before withdrawing Government Procurement Cards from staff working in the Forestry Commission.

Answer: The Cabinet Office required all Civil Service organisations to cancel or freeze all Government Procurement Cards (GPC) by 31 March 2025. In response, the Forestry Commission set up a review panel to assess which GPCs should be retained. A limited number of cards considered essential for operationally critical, health and safety, or legal compliance purposes were allowed to continue. All cardholders were notified of the decision regarding their GPC, and staff have been given guidance on alternative purchasing methods including using the travel management system, expense reimbursement, cash advances and other supplier contracts. This ensured that necessary operational activity could continue without disruption.

Secondary information