Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Not Addressed
Emergency services disbanding dedicated ESN teams due to programme delays
Conclusion
Emergency services are temporarily disbanding their dedicated ESN teams that had been preparing for testing and transition, and the Department explained that there was currently very little for such teams to work on. It hoped each organisation would retain a “point of contact” but acknowledged that ESN might no longer be their priority.33
Government Response Summary
The government's response, which focuses on financial implications of the CMA ruling and business case review, does not address the committee's conclusion regarding the disbanding of emergency services' dedicated ESN teams or the importance of retaining points of contact.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: end December 2023 2.2 If the CMA decision is upheld following appeal, and the charge control comes into effect, there will be scope to reduce local costs for users of the Airwave service and the department will continue to engage with users to determine how best to support user organisations with transition activities. 2.3 Scope for central support is limited by the way government funds are allocated across departments, policy areas and programmes. This will constrain the ability to pass the charge control savings directly onto users. 2.4 The reduced costs of Airwave will result in an overall government saving, rather than a department or programme gain. Funding decisions beyond the financial year 2024/25 are subject to future HM Treasury spending reviews based on the programme’s approved business case. 2.5 The ESMCP is reviewing the business case to reflect the CMA ruling to impose a charge control and procurement of new suppliers. Users are expected to realise savings from reduced Airwave costs. Delayed spend on ESN devices will offset the cost of new Airwave devices. The programme business case includes agreed principles that govern how costs are allocated centrally or to user groups. These principles can be varied only with agreement from all users and funding sponsor bodies. 2.6 The programme is engaging closely with user organisations to provide support for their transition activities, while operating in accordance with Home Office and HMG governance and funding structures.