The Performance of the Ministry of Defence 2009-10

HC 760, Third Report of Session 2010-12 - Volume I: Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Defence Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £11.00

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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is unaware of the location of radios worth £184 million, and is unable to provide evidence of the existence and condition of assets worth £6.3 billion. This shortfall in accounting is reflected in the decision by the National Audit Office to qualify the MoD accounts for the fourth successive year.

In the report, 'The Performance of the Ministry of Defence 2009-10 (HC 760)', the Committee argues that this year's qualification should have been foreseen; given that it was a clear requirement on all Government departments to adopt the relevant reporting standards from 2009-10. It is unsatisfactory that the MoD expects their stock control problems to continue for another two to four years.

The report notes the period of intense change that the MoD is going through, and recommends that any cuts to staffing levels must be appropriate for future business need and managed with care.

The Committee will study the outcomes of the report of the Defence Reform Unit (listed below) to ensure that the MoD retains the right skills. This will need to be reflected in decisions on redundancies through voluntary exit and otherwise, so that the Department is not left without the right skills and experience required for effective performance.

The Committee wishes to be assured that decisions on the scrapping of assets before the end of their useful life have been made on the basis of a sound cost-benefit analysis, taking into account the savings to be achieved and the effect of the loss of capability.

Extent	40 pages	ISBN	9780215560414
Size	A4	Price	£11.00
Format	Paperback	Published	05 Jul 2011
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges