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
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
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
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 …
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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.
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 …
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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.
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 …
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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.
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 …
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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.
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 …
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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.