UK armed forces 'face £7bn equipment funding black hole'
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UK armed forces 'face £7bn equipment funding black hole'
From the BBC:
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47082922 for more...
UK armed forces 'face £7bn equipment funding black hole'
That's £700M a year.
On 19 November 2001, the Chief of Defence Procurement confirmed in writing that it was a 'routine expectation' that all his staff be capable of saving 30% from their project budgets, while maintain time, cost and performance - and, importantly, operational capability.
This was questioned, and he confirmed his thoughts on 13 December 2001.
Well, that's only a few million each. Moving on, this afternoon's task is....
On 19 November 2001, the Chief of Defence Procurement confirmed in writing that it was a 'routine expectation' that all his staff be capable of saving 30% from their project budgets, while maintain time, cost and performance - and, importantly, operational capability.
This was questioned, and he confirmed his thoughts on 13 December 2001.
Well, that's only a few million each. Moving on, this afternoon's task is....
That's £700M a year.
On 19 November 2001, the Chief of Defence Procurement confirmed in writing that it was a 'routine expectation' that all his staff be capable of saving 30% from their project budgets, while maintain time, cost and performance - and, importantly, operational capability.
This was questioned, and he confirmed his thoughts on 13 December 2001.
Well, that's only a few million each. Moving on, this afternoon's task is....
On 19 November 2001, the Chief of Defence Procurement confirmed in writing that it was a 'routine expectation' that all his staff be capable of saving 30% from their project budgets, while maintain time, cost and performance - and, importantly, operational capability.
This was questioned, and he confirmed his thoughts on 13 December 2001.
Well, that's only a few million each. Moving on, this afternoon's task is....
As bad as the MOD are when it comes to procurement, I wonder if the PAC also investigated what role the Treasury have played in perpetuating / exacerbating the issue given that they are the ones that ultimately control funding. I suspect not given the Treasury's role and presence on the PAC.
Just not enough of them and no effective strategy for their use. As for a BREXIT dividend, I won't hold my breath. Even if there is, which I'm yet to be convinced about, I very much doubt it will come to Defence. More votes to be won elsewhere with NHS, education and tax cuts.
Just not enough of them and no effective strategy for their use. As for a BREXIT dividend, I won't hold my breath. Even if there is, which I'm yet to be convinced about, I very much doubt it will come to Defence. More votes to be won elsewhere with NHS, education and tax cuts.
It sounds like the current problem is the lack of political direction - no-one wants to say "this kit/role has to be cut" or "we're never going to buy that"
TBH 700million UKP is not a very large amount looking at the budget as a whole (or hole)
TBH 700million UKP is not a very large amount looking at the budget as a whole (or hole)
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It's OK. I've found the shortfall in the overseas aid budget... 
In the case of the former, projecting power to who and for why.
In the case of the latter, can we really afford to posture for the sake of it.
Article in The Times today:-
MoD’s efforts to rein in spending are woeful, public accounts committee warns
MoD’s efforts to rein in spending are woeful, public accounts committee warns
Suspect not.
Again it is not the treasury - it is the politicians
They (and its the same in every country) promise the earth to get elected and then have to try and make ends meet - this is normally done by taxing people who either can't dodge or by some sort of stealth tax and then on the expenditure side giving cash to the causes that are most likely to get them re-elected - or here to causes whose owners will "help you out" when you need it
They (and its the same in every country) promise the earth to get elected and then have to try and make ends meet - this is normally done by taxing people who either can't dodge or by some sort of stealth tax and then on the expenditure side giving cash to the causes that are most likely to get them re-elected - or here to causes whose owners will "help you out" when you need it
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Tip of the iceberg.
Several years of Zombie government (with or without brexit so no "project fear" here please) pigeons will roosting, worms will be emerging from cans and shortly we should all have a good clear view of Pandora's Box.
Stow the angst..whatever side of the divide you might happen to be on..grab the popcorn and make sure your sense of humour is fully engaged.
If you can't laugh at what's coming, you are in for all sorts of stress.
Several years of Zombie government (with or without brexit so no "project fear" here please) pigeons will roosting, worms will be emerging from cans and shortly we should all have a good clear view of Pandora's Box.
Stow the angst..whatever side of the divide you might happen to be on..grab the popcorn and make sure your sense of humour is fully engaged.
If you can't laugh at what's coming, you are in for all sorts of stress.
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“UK sells entire Armed Forces to NATO, and spends the money on Euro-NHS” ... oh, wait, that won’t work either. 
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As the unelected voice of those that have done a tour or two in Capability and ‘In the Centre’ - this is just the annual iteration of the same old story. Your job is to rob Peter to pay Paul. Carry on. It won’t be fine, but it’ll be as fine as it ever was.
Tip of the iceberg.
Several years of Zombie government (with or without brexit so no "project fear" here please) pigeons will roosting, worms will be emerging from cans and shortly we should all have a good clear view of Pandora's Box.
Stow the angst..whatever side of the divide you might happen to be on..grab the popcorn and make sure your sense of humour is fully engaged.
If you can't laugh at what's coming, you are in for all sorts of stress.
Several years of Zombie government (with or without brexit so no "project fear" here please) pigeons will roosting, worms will be emerging from cans and shortly we should all have a good clear view of Pandora's Box.
Stow the angst..whatever side of the divide you might happen to be on..grab the popcorn and make sure your sense of humour is fully engaged.
If you can't laugh at what's coming, you are in for all sorts of stress.
Whether that figure is achieved by smoke and mirrors or whether it is actual remains to be seen.
However, it doesn't take a genius (and I am far from that) to realise that the current new equipment procurement is eye wateringly expensive.
Typhoon, F35, A400M, QEC to name just a few and not including nuclear programmes.