Recommendation 20

The MoD argues that there are many complex reasons for these build-ups of stock. For example, unserviceable inventory may still be useful if repaired, and may be being held because the manufacturer no longer makes these items, or because a certain amount may be needed before a repair contractor will take them. Other items appear as excess stock, but are deliberately overstocked for contingency scenarios, for example, anthrax vaccines or other critical medical supplies. Items beyond their service date may be useable on other platforms or have sale opportunities to other governments, so will be held until other governments confirm they no longer wish to buy them.45 The MoD also stated that activity supporting the front line will always take priority over managing disposals, and the move towards building resilience will increase the level of inventory being held in future.