Value for taxpayers determined DVLA bid

Roads minister Stephen Hammond has defended the DVLA’s decision to award the contract for its vision testing services to Specsavers instead of a cross-sector bid by LOCSU.

In a written reply to independent practitioner James Oliver Radley, who had complained to his local MP about restricted patient choice (News 28.02.14), the MP gave further details about the cost-driven tender process.

Hammond, parliamentary under secretary of state for transport, said: ‘The DVLA conducted a fully compliant and transparent tender process which aimed to secure a consolidated service which demonstrated value for money for taxpayers.

‘As part of this process, those submitting tenders were encouraged to secure small/medium enterprise involvement as part of a national service. Spend with small/medium enterprises is a reportable pre-requisite for the successful supplier.’