Framework agreements allow departments to sign a number of suppliers, providing a variety of services, to one contract. The aim is that this gives buyers more choice at a lower cost.

However, Bill Crothers, government chief procurement officer, has now asked David Shields, managing director of GPS, to lead the review to assess whether or not this is the best approach.

"Our ICT framework agreements already remove excessive procurement procedures, but we want to make sure they are achieving the best savings and are easier and faster for both buyers and suppliers, including SMEs," said Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary Chloe Smith.

"That's sensible for the taxpayer and for businesses. That is why we have paused all currently planned GPS ICT frameworks to review their effectiveness."

The Cabinet Office told Computerworld UK that no timeframe had been put on the review, but the results would be released 'as soon as possible'.