Seventh Report - Coronavirus Act 2020 Two Years On
Select Committee
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
HC 978
18 March 2022
Government response
First Special Report - Coronavirus Act 2020 Two Years On: Government response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2021–22 · published 18 May 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
8 results
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 27
The Committee noted that sunset clauses, including their appropriate length, should be considered carefully for...
Conclusion
The Committee noted that sunset clauses, including their appropriate length, should be considered carefully for any future legislation. Whilst a useful legislative tool, they can allow for stronger and broader powers than would otherwise be passed by Parliament, and the …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the sunset clause for the temporary provisions within the Act aimed to strike a balance between introducing necessary provisions to tackle the pandemic, whilst ensuring they remained in force for only as long as they were needed. The government continues to review the legal framework and lessons learned from COVID- 19.
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 36
Whilst we accept the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s defence of the...
Conclusion
Whilst we accept the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s defence of the length of the sunset clause, we have concerns over the lack of ability to amend provisions at subsequent points. The Committee welcomes Mr Javid’s acknowledgment …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the vital importance of Parliamentary scrutiny and believes each of the powers in the Act has been subject to in-depth Parliamentary scrutiny throughout the lifespan of the Act, noting the Committee's view on the ability to amend individual provisions.
4
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Committee noted the improvement in the content of the two-monthly reports and welcomes the...
Conclusion
The Committee noted the improvement in the content of the two-monthly reports and welcomes the Government committing to identify further improvements that could be made as part of a ‘lessons learned’ inquiry. We look forward to seeing these improvements in …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government thanks the Committee for recognising improvements to the two-monthly reports and commits to continuing to improve the quality of these reports, taking on board feedback.
5
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 46
The Committee welcomes the Government’s commitment to a thorough and wide- ranging inquiry to learn...
Conclusion
The Committee welcomes the Government’s commitment to a thorough and wide- ranging inquiry to learn the lessons from the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Committee welcomes that the inquiry’s draft terms of reference are being put for public …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government refers to the independent, statutory public inquiry into COVID-19 and its broad scope, stating that whether any additional centrally-coordinated review will take place on the individual provisions in the Act is still to be determined.
6
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 47
In order to provide clarity to the public, the Committee calls on the Government to...
Recommendation
In order to provide clarity to the public, the Committee calls on the Government to set out in more detail the timetable for the inquiry. We also call on the Government to require that the inquiry proceeds in a thorough …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government refers to the independent, statutory public inquiry into COVID-19 and its broad scope, stating that whether any additional centrally-coordinated review will take place on the individual provisions in the Act is still to be determined.
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 66
The Committee welcomes the Government’s willingness to consider whether the publication of data in future...
Conclusion
The Committee welcomes the Government’s willingness to consider whether the publication of data in future emergencies could be improved.
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the importance of sharing COVID-19 data and highlights existing surveillance systems, SAGE publications, and UKHSA's work with the Office for Statistics Regulation.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 74
We welcome the commitment from the Secretary of State to learn lessons from the way...
Conclusion
We welcome the commitment from the Secretary of State to learn lessons from the way the Government legislated during this pandemic and expect it to be a subject of investigation within the upcoming inquiry into the Government’s COVID-19 response. The …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government recognises the different roles that guidance and legislation play in supporting the public in responding to the pandemic and the importance of Parliamentary scrutiny. They have sought to learn lessons on its communications approach.
13
Recommendation
Acknowledged
The Committee calls on the Government to carefully consider the use of guidance in future...
Recommendation
The Committee calls on the Government to carefully consider the use of guidance in future emergencies to ensure maximum clarity and minimal complexity for the public and law enforcement. The Government should ensure that future legislation of this type doesn’t …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government recognises the different roles that guidance and legislation play in supporting the public in responding to the pandemic and the importance of Parliamentary scrutiny. They have sought to learn lessons on its communications approach.