Eighth Report - Government transparency and accountability during Covid 19: The data underpinning decisions

Select Committee
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee HC 803 15 March 2021
Report Status Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations 35 items (19 recs)
Source View on Parliament website
Government Response (AI assessment · 35 of 35 classified)
Accepted 7
Acknowledged 2
Deferred 5
Not Addressed 20
Rejected 1
Government response
First Special Report - Government transparency and accountability during Covid 19: The data underpinning decisions: Government’s response to the Committee’s Eighth Report of Session 2019–21 · published 25 May 2021
Read the government response ↗ Response on the tracker

Recommendations & Conclusions

35 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
The Government has overseen a remarkable effort pulling together data on Covid 19 from a...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's positive observations, reaffirming its commitment to accessible public health information and detailing existing efforts to make data and analysis available, enhance accessibility in communications, and apply best practice in data visualisation.
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 33
The Government has made significant steps in the presentation of data throughout this pandemic, including...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states its commitment to transparency and its endeavour to publish all statistics and underlying data in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.
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3 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 34
Graphics used by Government, for example slide packs and briefings, should meet Government Statistical Service...
Recommendation
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 Summary
The government states its commitment to transparency and will endeavor to publish all statistics and underlying data in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, but does not specifically commit to ensuring graphics meet data visualisation good practice or accessibility regulations.
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4 Conclusion Rejected
Para 44
Statistics quoted by Ministers have not always been underpinned by published data, which goes against...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that statistics should build confidence, noting ministers are subject to the Code of Practice. However, it rejects changing the Ministerial Code, arguing it is sometimes in the public interest to use emerging information not yet underpinned by published data.
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5 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 45
When Ministers or senior officials quote statistics, the underlying data must be published.
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the roles of COBR and SAGE, along with principles for scientific advice. It does not address the recommendation that ministers must publish underlying data when quoting statistics or that OSR should inform the Committee of non-compliance.
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6 Recommendation Accepted
Para 46
Going forward, Ministerial statements published on Government websites must include hyperlinks or footnotes directing to...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states it strives to adhere to the UKSA Code of Practice and already makes data underpinning press conferences and the COVID-19 roadmap publicly available on GOV.UK with source information.
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7 Recommendation Not Addressed
The Ministerial Code needs to be strengthened so it is clear that Ministers are required...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response states a letter was sent to the Committee, but provides no details on how it addresses the recommendation to strengthen the Ministerial Code to ensure Ministers abide by the UKSA Code of Practice.
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8 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 53
When SAGE advisors speak publicly about the advice they have given to Government it has...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government refers to a future independent inquiry starting in spring 2022 to learn lessons from COVID-19 and highlights past scrutiny, but does not address the concerns about SAGE advisors speaking publicly or public understanding of SAGE's role.
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9 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 54
We are certainly not calling for SAGE advisors to be silenced, but for some expectations...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government refers to a future independent inquiry starting in spring 2022 to learn lessons from COVID-19, and highlights past scrutiny, but does not address the specific call for a code of conduct or media guidance for SAGE advisors.
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10 Conclusion Deferred
Para 81
Building trust between leaders and the public is essential to the response.
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that a statutory public inquiry will be established in spring 2022 to look back at all aspects of COVID-19, including data transparency, and that lessons are continually being learned.
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11 Recommendation Not Addressed
Government communication needs to focus on informing the public openly and honestly.
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response states a letter was sent to the Committee, but provides no details on how it addresses the recommendation for transparent and honest government communication, particularly regarding the roadmap.
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12 Recommendation Deferred
Para 96
Throughout this inquiry, it has been unclear which Minister and Department should be held to...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of cross-organisational working and data, citing strengthened data sharing, central dashboards, and a forthcoming NHSX Data Strategy. However, regarding a clear point of accountability for data-driven decisions, they state they will consider a broader review only after several other initiatives and reviews have concluded.
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 97
The Cabinet Office must clearly outline responsibilities for decision making, before the Coronavirus Act is...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response is incomplete and then discusses the assessment of 'four tests' for moving through the roadmap, including the publication of data and modelling for Step 2. It does not address the recommendation for the Cabinet Office to clearly outline responsibilities and accountability for decision-making and data.
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14 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 98
The Committee was very disappointed that when the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster declined...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response details the roadmap, data publication, and press conferences, along with statistics on the public data dashboard. It completely fails to address the Committee's specific criticism regarding ministerial accountability and appearances.
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15 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 99
This is not the first time that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster provided a response to this recommendation in a letter to the Chair on 24 March 2021, but does not provide the content of that response here.
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16 Recommendation Accepted
Para 100
The Committee expects that the Rt Hon Michael Gove will respond to this report, clearly...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government stated that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster responded to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the government’s response to the recommendation.
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17 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 101
Written correspondence from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster throughout the course of this...
Conclusion
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 Summary
The government highlights various publications and reviews, including the 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021' update, economic and social data in the roadmap, and released SAGE papers, as evidence of transparency, but does not address the committee's observation that the Chancellor has failed to answer questions.
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18 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 102
The Government’s response to this report should state whether each recommendation is accepted or rejected...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government refers to a future independent inquiry starting in spring 2022 to learn lessons from COVID-19 and mentions past scrutiny, but does not address the recommendation on how it should structure its response to the committee's report.
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19 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 129
The message from the evidence received to this inquiry is frustratingly clear.
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response states a letter was sent to the Committee, but provides no details on its stance regarding the Committee's observation about centralised data handling and officials refusing to share data locally.
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20 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 130
Vital information which might have helped local leaders to respond quickly to outbreaks simply did...
Conclusion
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, … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to the Committee on March 24, 2021, providing the government's response to this item.
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21 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 131
In May 2020, this Committee heard that local data would be key to the response,...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care provided a response to this recommendation in a letter to the Committee on 24 March 2021, but does not provide the content of that response here.
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22 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 132
The Government must share all the available data with local areas in as much detail...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response states a letter was sent to the Committee, but provides no details on how it addresses the recommendation to share data with local areas or publish a comprehensive list of available data.
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23 Recommendation Deferred
The Department of Health and Social Care, with support from UKSA, should undertake an urgent...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of cross-organisational data sharing and highlights existing efforts, but defers a broader review of health data systems until after several future processes, including the Data Strategy, Goldacre review, and an OSR lesson learned exercise, are complete.
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24 Conclusion Accepted
Para 143
It is deeply worrying that Ministers were unable to answer basic questions about the decision...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government committed to establishing a public inquiry on COVID-19 by spring 2022 and stated that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster would appear before the committee to answer outstanding questions.
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25 Conclusion Deferred
Para 144
It is clear to even a casual observer that the decision to lift the first...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government confirms an independent public inquiry will be established on a statutory basis in spring 2022 to look back and learn lessons from all aspects of COVID-19. It also mentions ongoing learning, parliamentary scrutiny, and the Chancellor agreeing to appear before PACAC.
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26 Conclusion Deferred
Time has passed for Ministers to explain to this Committee why the first lockdown was...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government confirms a statutory public inquiry will be established in spring 2022 to examine all aspects of COVID-19, including past decisions, and states it continues to learn lessons and apply them to its response.
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27 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 146
This report is not considering the accuracy of decisions, but this Committee has serious concerns...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster provided a response to this recommendation in a letter to the Chair on 24 March 2021, but does not provide the content of that response here.
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28 Recommendation Accepted
Para 173
The framework for lockdown and tiering decisions has changed repeatedly throughout this pandemic.
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government stated that the roadmap sets out four clear tests for progression, with associated data and modelling published on 5 April 2021, implying this framework addresses concerns about changing goalposts.
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29 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 174
The priority now must be a clear and consistent framework for making lockdown decisions as...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates that the roadmap includes four tests, with an assessment of Variants of Concern at test 4, to determine the safety of moving to the next step.
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30 Conclusion Not Addressed
Para 175
Lockdown decisions have been met with confusion because the data has been unclear.
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster provided a response to this recommendation in a letter to the Chair on 24 March 2021, but does not provide the content of that response here.
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31 Recommendation Accepted
Para 176
The new roadmap must be updated to point to where data can be found under...
Recommendation
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 Summary
The government states it published data underpinning roadmap decisions and that the COVID-19 dashboard already provides clear links to data, including at lower local authority level.
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32 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 177
The Government did not publish thresholds for tiering decisions which made it hard for local...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government stated that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the government’s response, but the content regarding threshold publication is not provided.
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33 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 178
The Government must publish thresholds aligned to the roadmap in ranges or using minimum requirements,...
Recommendation
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. Read more
Government Response Summary
The government stated that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the government’s response, but the content regarding immediate threshold publication is not provided.
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34 Conclusion Accepted
The hospitality and entertainment sectors have not seen sufficient data to underpin decisions relating to...
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021' update and its data annex included detailed data and analysis, including economic and social impacts relevant to sectors, as part of the wide evidence base for easing lockdown.
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35 Recommendation Accepted
The Government should publish the data that underpins the restrictions that will remain in place...
Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government stated that it has already published detailed data and analysis, including economic and social impacts and SAGE papers, in the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update and its annex, which underpins the roadmap decisions.
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