Commons IT not up to scratch

MPs' technology has quantity but not quality, warns parliamentary body

MPs' IT allowance includes one laptop, four desktops and two printers

The independent body which sets MP salary levels has criticised the IT equipment and support provided by the House of Commons.

The Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) says that on the whole MPs are satisfied with the quantity of equipment to which they are entitled - one laptop, four desktops and two printers.

But they are more censorious of its quality.

"There was less satisfaction with the quality of the equipment and also with the level of support and speed of response provided both centrally and in constituencies," says the SSRB.

Concerns about parliamentary IT support and the operation of the Westminster network have been voiced before. Professionals have pointed out many MPs still use non-standard equipment or make use of systems supplied in ways that were not anticipated and that access to constituency offices is limited.