Data Transparency and Accountability: Covid 19
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Closed
Inquiry
The Covid 19 pandemic has highlighted how important data is to Government for decision making, and the significance of data transparency for the public and Parliament in holding Government to account. This inquiry was focused on decision making and transparency in response to Covid 19, using this as a case …
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4
Recommendations
31
Conclusions
1
Report
6
Oral sessions
27
Letters
6
Events
Activity timeline 41 events
6 Jul
2021
2021
25 May
2021
2021
24 Mar
2021
2021
24 Mar
2021
2021
19 Mar
2021
2021
15 Mar
2021
2021
2 Mar
2021
2021
2 Mar
2021
2021
25 Feb
2021
2021
23 Feb
2021
2021
9 Feb
2021
2021
9 Feb
2021
2021
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
4 Feb 2021
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Data transparency and accountability: Covid 19
Clara Swinson · Department for Health and Social Care
Helen Whately MP
James Bowler CB · HM Treasury
Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP · Cabinet Office
19 Jan 2021
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Data Transparency and Accountability: Covid 19
Dr David Halpern
Dr Richard Fletcher
Ed Conway
Professor Steve Reicher
Richard Earley
16 Dec 2020
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Data transparency and accountability: Covid 19
Andrew Goodacre · The British Independent Retailers Association
Bill Sweeney
Emma McClarkin · British Beer and Pub Association
Julian Bird
24 Nov 2020
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Data transparency and accountability: Covid 19
Dr Ben Worthy · Birkbeck, University of London
Prof Sir David John Spiegelhalter OBE FRS
Prof Sylvia Richardson CBE
Will Moy
5 Nov 2020
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Data Transparency and Accountability: Covid 19
Cllr Hugh Evans OBE
Councillor Alison Evison
Councillor Georgia Gould
Councillor Ian Hudspeth
Jeanelle de Gruchy
Joanne Roney OBE
Phil Roberts
Steven Grimmond
22 Sep 2020
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Data Transparency and Accountability: Covid 19
Ed Humpherson · UK Statistics Authority
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, National Statistician · Office for National Statistics
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eighth Report - Government transparency and accountability durin… | HC 803 | 15 Mar 2021 | 35 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
35 results
1
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government has overseen a remarkable effort pulling together data on Covid 19 from a...
The Government has overseen a remarkable effort pulling together data on Covid 19 from a standing start 12 months ago. It has also made much of this data and analysis available to the public, primarily through the Covid 19 data …
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Government Response
The Government is committed to ensuring vital public health information is accessible to all communities across the UK. The Government has overseen a significant effort pulling together data on COVID-19, …
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2
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government has made significant steps in the presentation of data throughout this pandemic, including...
The Government has made significant steps in the presentation of data throughout this pandemic, including through the Covid 19 dashboard. But it is still presenting some graphics which do not meet the basic standards that we would expect. The Committee …
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Government Response
The Government is committed to transparency and will endeavour to publish all statistics and underlying data when referenced publicly, in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. 2 …
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3
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Graphics used by Government, for example slide packs and briefings, should meet Government Statistical Service...
Graphics used by Government, for example slide packs and briefings, should meet Government Statistical Service good practice guidelines on data visualisation. They should always meet the accessibility regulations, which are now law.
Government Response
The Government is committed to transparency and will endeavour to publish all statistics and underlying data when referenced publicly, in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. 2 …
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4
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Statistics quoted by Ministers have not always been underpinned by published data, which goes against...
Statistics quoted by Ministers have not always been underpinned by published data, which goes against the UKSA Code of Practice. Publishing the underlying data is key to transparency and building trust. When the underlying data is not published, numbers may …
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Government Response
The Government agrees that statistics should be used in a way that builds confidence and upholds the three pillars of the Code of Practice - trustworthiness, quality and value. Ministers …
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5
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
When Ministers or senior officials quote statistics, the underlying data must be published.
When Ministers or senior officials quote statistics, the underlying data must be published. This is already an Office for Statistics Regulation expectation, and OSR should continue to inform this Committee—as it has throughout this inquiry—when it finds examples of statistics …
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Government Response
In certain emergency circumstances the Cabinet Office and the Lead Government Department in consultation with the Prime Minister’s office can activate the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) – for response, …
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6
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Going forward, Ministerial statements published on Government websites must include hyperlinks or footnotes directing to...
Going forward, Ministerial statements published on Government websites must include hyperlinks or footnotes directing to the detailed data underpinning any numbers or statistics quoted. This should apply to all areas where data is used, not just in relation to this …
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Government Response
The UKSA Code of Practice is a standard tool used in statistics and the Government strives to adhere to this. The Roadmap to lift restrictions - ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring …
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7
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Ministerial Code needs to be strengthened so it is clear that Ministers are required...
The Ministerial Code needs to be strengthened so it is clear that Ministers are required to abide by the UKSA Code of Practice in their presentation of data. The UKSA Code includes the principle of trustworthiness that builds “confidence in …
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Government Response
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation. 4 Government’s response to the Committee’s Eighth …
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8
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
When SAGE advisors speak publicly about the advice they have given to Government it has...
When SAGE advisors speak publicly about the advice they have given to Government it has the potential to create confusion and undermine trust. This report calls for greater transparency, including on uncertainties, but there also needs to be clarity about …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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9
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
We are certainly not calling for SAGE advisors to be silenced, but for some expectations...
We are certainly not calling for SAGE advisors to be silenced, but for some expectations to be laid about the appropriate way to communicate considering, amongst other things, the potential for the politicisation of their commentary. Civil Servants advising Government …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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10
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Building trust between leaders and the public is essential to the response.
Building trust between leaders and the public is essential to the response. The evidence the Committee has received, including from behavioural scientists, shows that people respond to open and honest information that is clear about the uncertainties within it. Some …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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11
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Government communication needs to focus on informing the public openly and honestly.
Government communication needs to focus on informing the public openly and honestly. As we move into the next stage of the pandemic, the roadmap back to lifting restrictions entirely, this becomes even more pertinent. Previous recommendations cover clarity on source …
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Government Response
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to the Committee on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
12
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Throughout this inquiry, it has been unclear which Minister and Department should be held to...
Throughout this inquiry, it has been unclear which Minister and Department should be held to account for ensuring decisions are underpinned by data. Data is collected by multiple Departments and other bodies, and this Committee expects a clear point of …
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Government Response
We agree that cross-organisational working is more important than ever given the large number of organisations across health and social care and the nature and impact of COVID-19. As a …
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13
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Cabinet Office must clearly outline responsibilities for decision making, before the Coronavirus Act is...
The Cabinet Office must clearly outline responsibilities for decision making, before the Coronavirus Act is considered for renewal after 25th March 2021. This must include Government transparency and accountability during Covid 19: The data underpinning decisions 49 clear lines of …
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Government Response
determine whether it is safe to move to the next step. The assessment of these tests at Step 2 and associated data and modelling was published on 5 April 2021. …
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14
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Committee was very disappointed that when the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster declined...
The Committee was very disappointed that when the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster declined to appear before the Committee on 4th February, Ministers sent in his place were poorly briefed and unable to answer the Committee’s questions. The ability …
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Government Response
The Government has set out the four tests that will need to be met to move between each step, with at least a five week gap between steps: four weeks …
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15
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
This is not the first time that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has...
This is not the first time that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has tried to avoid his accountability to this Committee. He has sought to ration his appearances by refusing invitations and setting short time-limits when he does …
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Government Response
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
16
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Committee expects that the Rt Hon Michael Gove will respond to this report, clearly...
The Committee expects that the Rt Hon Michael Gove will respond to this report, clearly outlining his understanding of his own responsibilities, and the ways in which he should be held to account by Parliament. The Committee will put further …
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Government Response
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
17
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Written correspondence from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster throughout the course of this...
Written correspondence from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster throughout the course of this inquiry has not answered questions posed by this Committee.
Government Response
The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update, published on 22 February, set out the detailed data and analysis that underpins the Government’s approach to easing lockdown.1 It included the impact …
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18
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government’s response to this report should state whether each recommendation is accepted or rejected...
The Government’s response to this report should state whether each recommendation is accepted or rejected and should state the next steps the Government will take or provide an explanation for those recommendations rejected. It is not sufficient for the Government …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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19
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The message from the evidence received to this inquiry is frustratingly clear.
The message from the evidence received to this inquiry is frustratingly clear. The Government knew the response would need to be localised and there were local systems in place to manage infectious diseases already (including statutory duties on Public Health …
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Government Response
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to the Committee on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
20
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Vital information which might have helped local leaders to respond quickly to outbreaks simply did...
Vital information which might have helped local leaders to respond quickly to outbreaks simply did not move quickly enough through the system. Central Government was initially unwilling to share granular data on the spread of the virus, systems were fragmented, …
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Government Response
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to the Committee on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
21
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
In May 2020, this Committee heard that local data would be key to the response,...
In May 2020, this Committee heard that local data would be key to the response, enabling local leaders to move quickly, stem small outbreaks and potentially 50 Government transparency and accountability during Covid 19: The data underpinning decisions stop a …
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Government Response
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to the Committee on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
22
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government must share all the available data with local areas in as much detail...
The Government must share all the available data with local areas in as much detail as possible, ideally to patient level. Data which will be key to decision making on the road map should be shared immediately, and ahead of …
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23
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Department of Health and Social Care, with support from UKSA, should undertake an urgent...
The Department of Health and Social Care, with support from UKSA, should undertake an urgent review of health data systems in England. The review should include consideration of the role of the Department of Health and Social Care in bringing …
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Government Response
We agree that cross-organisational working is more important than ever given the large number of organisations across health and social care and the nature and impact of COVID-19. As a …
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24
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
It is deeply worrying that Ministers were unable to answer basic questions about the decision...
It is deeply worrying that Ministers were unable to answer basic questions about the decision to lift the first lockdown. Proper Parliamentary scrutiny leads to better decision-making and builds trust. While this report does not comment on whether the Government …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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25
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
It is clear to even a casual observer that the decision to lift the first...
It is clear to even a casual observer that the decision to lift the first lockdown (and all subsequent lockdowns) must have also taken into consideration a range of factors, including health, economic and educational outcomes. It is, therefore, our …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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26
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Time has passed for Ministers to explain to this Committee why the first lockdown was...
Time has passed for Ministers to explain to this Committee why the first lockdown was lifted when it was. It is clear that Ministers are unable to answer that question, and we are sure that this will be picked up …
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Government Response
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would …
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27
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
This report is not considering the accuracy of decisions, but this Committee has serious concerns...
This report is not considering the accuracy of decisions, but this Committee has serious concerns about the lack of transparency and clarity in decision-making. The Cabinet Office must outline in its response to this report the range of data and …
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Government Response
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
28
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The framework for lockdown and tiering decisions has changed repeatedly throughout this pandemic.
The framework for lockdown and tiering decisions has changed repeatedly throughout this pandemic. While the Committee does not object to the inclusion of new metrics (such as vaccines), changes in the framework to date have not always appeared to reflect …
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Government Response
The roadmap sets out the four tests that will be assessed at each of the four steps to determine whether it is safe to move to the next step. The …
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29
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The priority now must be a clear and consistent framework for making lockdown decisions as...
The priority now must be a clear and consistent framework for making lockdown decisions as a path back to normality is charted. The Committee, therefore, welcomes the roadmap. The Government should not make further changes to it, in terms of …
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30
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
Lockdown decisions have been met with confusion because the data has been unclear.
Lockdown decisions have been met with confusion because the data has been unclear. Data was not initially available for local leaders to understand the tiering decisions and there were no adequate frameworks for escalation and de-escalation in place. While this …
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Government Response
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
31
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The new roadmap must be updated to point to where data can be found under...
The new roadmap must be updated to point to where data can be found under each indicator. The roadmap indicators should be added to the dashboard, with clear links through to the data at lower local authority level underpinning each one.
Government Response
The Government has set out the four tests that will need to be met to move between each step, with at least a five week gap between steps: four weeks …
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32
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government did not publish thresholds for tiering decisions which made it hard for local...
The Government did not publish thresholds for tiering decisions which made it hard for local authorities and businesses to plan. This must be changed for the future. The Committee does not believe including thresholds in the roadmap will cause perverse …
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Government Response
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response to this recommendation.
33
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government must publish thresholds aligned to the roadmap in ranges or using minimum requirements,...
The Government must publish thresholds aligned to the roadmap in ranges or using minimum requirements, and with appropriate caveats if needed. This should be done immediately with the information available before decisions are taken to take the first steps.
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34
Conclusion
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The hospitality and entertainment sectors have not seen sufficient data to underpin decisions relating to...
The hospitality and entertainment sectors have not seen sufficient data to underpin decisions relating to their industry. The evidence the Committee received was inconclusive over whether restrictions on hospitality and entertainment sectors were sensible and indeed it is not the …
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Government Response
The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update, published on 22 February, set out the detailed data and analysis that underpins the Government’s approach to easing lockdown.1 It included the impact …
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35
Recommendation
Eighth Report - Government transpa…
The Government should publish the data that underpins the restrictions that will remain in place...
The Government should publish the data that underpins the restrictions that will remain in place on businesses at each step of roadmap as a matter of urgency. Hyperlinks to this data must be included on pages explaining the restrictions for …
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Correspondence 27 letters
6 Jul 2021
Correspondence with Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster on further clarification following the Government’s response to the Committee's 8th Report of Session 2019-21: “Government transparency and accountability during COVID-19: The data underpinning decisions”, dated between 15.6-6.7.21
Parliament page
24 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the Committee's Eighth Report, Data Transparency and Accountability during COVID-19, dated 24.03.21
Parliament page
24 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the Committee's Eighth Report, Data Transparency and Accountability during COVID-19, dated 24.03.21
Parliament page
19 Mar 2021
From committee
Letter to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster requesting an early response to PACAC's 8th Report, dated 19.3.21
Parliament page
2 Mar 2021
From committee
Letter to Chloe Smith MP, Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution on May 2021 Elections and Covid-19, dated 25.2.21
Parliament page
2 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, Paymaster General on data transparency and accountability Covid-19 - follow-up written evidence after 4.2.21 oral evidence session, dated 24.2.21
Parliament page
25 Feb 2021
From committee
Letter to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office on Covid vaccine passports, dated 24.2.21
Parliament page
23 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Helen Whately MP, Minister of State for Care on data transparency and accountability Covid-19, dated 12.2.21
Parliament page
9 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Sir David Norgrove, Chair of the UK Statistics Authority to Chair, dated 9.2.21 (Covid-19 data)
Parliament page
9 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Professor Sir Ian Diamond, National Statistician to Chair, dated 9.2.21 (Covid-19 data)
Parliament page
5 Feb 2021
From committee
Letter to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office and Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on data transparency and accountability in relation to the Covid- 19 pandemic, dated 5.2.21
Parliament page
2 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation, UK Statistics Authority on Covid-19 vaccination statistics, dated 21.1.21
Parliament page
2 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from James Bowler, Permanent Secretary, Covid Taskforce on Cabinet Office Covid Taskforce, dated 28.1.21
Parliament page
2 Feb 2021
Letter Nadhim Zahawi MP, Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment on Covid-19 vaccination statistics, dated 27.1.21
Parliament page
12 Jan 2021
To committee
Letter from Steve Baker MP on the Government’s use of epidemiological modelling in public health policy, dated 3.11.20
Parliament page
12 Jan 2021
From committee
Letter to the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on Covid-19 vaccination statistics, dated 12.1.21
Parliament page
12 Jan 2021
To committee
Letter from Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association on follow-up evidence after 16.12.20 oral evidence session, dated 18.12.20
Parliament page
16 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from Professor Sylvia Richardson CBE, President-Elect of the Royal Statistical Society and Co-Chair of the RSS Covid-19 Task Force on follow-up evidence after 24.11 session, dated 8.12.20
Parliament page
15 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from Steve Baker MP on methodological issues in epidemiological modelling, dated 4.12.20
Parliament page
10 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster on Covid-19 data, dated 10.12.20
Parliament page
8 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter on follow-up evidence after 24.11.20 oral evidence session, dated 3.12.20
Parliament page
27 Nov 2020
From committee
Letter to Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster on Covid-19 data, dated 27.11.20
Parliament page
24 Nov 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster on Covid-19 data and local authorities, dated 18.11.20
Parliament page
17 Nov 2020
To committee
Letter from Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation, UKSA on transparency and communication of Covid-19 data, dated 5.11.20
Parliament page
17 Nov 2020
To committee
Letter from Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chair, Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board on Covid-19 and data, dated 9.11.20
Parliament page
8 Oct 2020
To committee
Letter from Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation, UKSA on COVID-19 survey of regional and local testing sites, dated 2.10.20
Parliament page
6 Oct 2020
To committee
Letter from Professor Sir Ian Diamond, National Statistician on sex differences in COVID-19 antibodies, dated 30.9.20.
Parliament page