Science Update: Royal omission
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE QUEEN is side-stepping European Commission rules by failing to disclose computer contracts funded by taxpayers, according to Computer Weekly.
The magazine claims that Treasury officials said they regard the royal household as a private purchaser, so have not included the Queen's systems on a list of public bodies which must meet EC directives. The regulations aim to ensure that companies in Europe and elsewhere can bid for large public sector projects.
New computer systems, including some that will help to evaluate the Queen's wealth, are paid for through the Civil List. But the Queen's officials have invited only a select list of companies to bid, the magazine says.
It claims that one project, designed to bring together details of one million royal treasures, costs more than pounds 500,000 - three times the value at which public bodies must go to open tender under the EC rules.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments