PCG, the representative body for independent professionals and the self-employed, has responded to today’s accusations that HMRC have poorly managed an IT project costing the taxpayer over £10 billion.
Andy Chamberlain, Senior Public Affairs Manager at PCG, said:
“The Government has consistently let the taxpayer down by failing to manage large projects and this case from HMRC is a prime example. Too much faith is put into large prime contractors to oversee projects when the Government itself should be taking closer control.
“Large IT projects such as this should be broken up and awarded to smaller businesses and collaborative groups of self-employed specialists. Many of the UK’s most talented IT technicians are self-employed, yet they are prevented from bidding for these contracts because they are simply too big. Smaller entities and collaborations would be more efficient and more accountable. The Government must review its procurement policy before more money is wasted and vital public services are put at risk.”