We are also concerned about the impact of inflation on the Plan’s delivery, particularly the Department’s ability to obtain the skills required. The Department told us that it and its suppliers do not have enough data scientists, software engineers or project managers. This puts at risk the delivery of a range of information, communication, and technology programmes.53 This risk may increase if staff leave due to below-inflation pay rises. The Department has offered staff a pay rise of 3.75% ...

We are also concerned about the impact of inflation on the Plan’s delivery, particularly the Department’s ability to obtain the skills required. The Department told us that it and its suppliers do not have enough data scientists, software engineers or project managers. This puts at risk the delivery of a range of information, communication, and technology programmes.53 This risk may increase if staff leave due to below-inflation pay rises. The Department has offered staff a pay rise of 3.75% and every future additional 1% pay rise above those planned will cost £1.4 billion over the next nine years. The Department acknowledged that the pay set Type: conclusion | Number: 20 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2023 5.2 The department continuously updates its forecast of the cost of the equipment plan and reviews its affordability through the annual financial planning pr