Improved IT support for MPs and staff

Some MPs not happy with their IT provisions according to the Parliamentary Information and Communications Technology service

Some MPs are not happy with their IT provisions

Technology services for MPs are to be stepped up following criticism of the IT support in the Palace of Westminster.

In response to a report from the House of Commons’ Administration Committee, the Parliamentary Information and Communications Technology (Pict) service admitted that “while some MPs are very satisfied with the service provided, others are deeply frustrated because it does not meet their expectations”.

As part of an internal reorganisation, Pict is to give more emphasis to its customers’ needs.

It is setting up a new drop-in facility for parliamentarians and their staff ­ to be known as Pict Local ­ so that simple faults and problems can be dealt with quickly.

The agency will also work with the top five software suppliers used by MPs, so that products can be tested using a standard configuration and future developments can be co-ordinated with wider improvements proposed for the Parliamentary network.

Pict is also working on plans for longer opening hours, and support for MPs and their staff at weekends and in their constituency offices or homes.

The announcements follow an earlier Commons report claiming MPs are satisfied with the quantity of equipment, but critical of its quality.

According to a Senior Salaries Review Board report earlier this month, MPs are not satisfied with the level of IT support or the speed of response.

Parliamentarians are entitled to one laptop, four desktops and two printers, through a single contract.