Written question WQ83764
- Asked by
- Adam PricePlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 3 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure maximum value for money when engaging the services of vets for compulsory TB testing?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
TB testing and some other Government veterinary services in Wales (and England) are delivered under Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) contracts on behalf of the Welsh Government. As a result, Regional Veterinary Delivery Partners (VDPs) have been providing services on behalf of Welsh Government since 2015.
During the procurement process a range of requirements were evaluated to ensure value for money with a quality service being a key factor.
These contracts monitor and enforce quality assurance through strictly carried out audit and performance management procedures.
New contracts have recently been awarded strengthening and broadening the range of veterinary and technical services provided through these partnerships running from July 2021 and will continue initially to 2024.