The government has saved millions by replacing a Palantir technology system used in the Homes for Ukraine scheme with one built in-house. The new platform is more flexible and secure, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
In March 2022, less than a month after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the then-Conservative government sought Palantir’s help. Initially offering its services for free, Palantir set up an IT system in just nine days to match Ukrainian refugees with accommodation offers.
However, subsequent contracts worth £4.5m and £5.5m were awarded to Palantir. A National Audit Office report highlighted concerns over the firm’s zero-cost initial offer, which it maintains is within public procurement guidelines. The MHCLG decided to replace the system with an in-house solution by September 2025.
This move towards ‘sovereign technology’ has left some questioning whether government IT can outperform private companies like Palantir, particularly as the firm faces criticism for its involvement with controversial projects abroad.
