AQO 1245/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Finance
To ask the Minister of Finance to provide an update on the new digital process for the land registry system, including the new service provider.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 21 November 2024
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 21 November 2024
- Answer due by
- 3 December 2024
- Answered
- 3 December 202412 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Finance
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 3 December 2024. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Dr Archibald
The Department is currently finalising contract terms with Fujitsu for the provision of the new IT land registration solution, which will transform Land Registry's services. The new IT solution will implement a range of new services via digital channels, and customers will be able to submit applications online. Many manual processes will be automated, which will result in an improved quality of service, increased workforce productivity and value for money. It is anticipated that the contract will be signed in January 2025, with the implementation phase of the new solution commencing in April 2025.
Ms Sugden
Thank you, Minister. Does the Minister have any concerns about the Education Authority's (EA) recent decision not to proceed with a contract with Fujitsu for over £5 million?
Dr Archibald
I am not over the detail of why the contract was not taken forward between the EA and Fujitsu. As the Member will be aware, public procurement here is regulated through the UK's Public Contracts Regulations 2015. My Department conducted a robust and vigorous procurement process that resulted in Fujitsu being the preferred bidder to deliver our new land registration IT solution.