§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals trading as personal service companies are currently under contract to(a) his Department, (b) the Information Technology Services Agency and (c) the Benefits Agency. [97294]
§ Angela EagleThe Department uses the services of professional contractors chiefly in the areas of accountancy and IT services. We have no information on the numbers of accountancy contractors who may have established personal service companies.
A Framework Agreement for the provision of Computer and Related Services to the Department has been in place since June 1996. Within this Framework are 7 companies that are contracted to provide the Department with IT Contractor staff. The Department's contractual arrangements are with the Framework suppliers and not the individual IT Contractors.