19
Accepted
The Chief Veterinary Officer clearly set out the importance of having modern, flexible laboratory facilities...
Conclusion
The Chief Veterinary Officer clearly set out the importance of having modern, flexible laboratory facilities to ensure the UK is resilient to animal diseases. The Department and the APHA highlighted the importance of the redevelopment of Weybridge to ensure this long-term capacity and resilience.37
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the importance of modern facilities and commits £198 million for preparatory work on the Weybridge redevelopment, with the main investment decision expected by summer 2024.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2024 4.2 The department will continue work across the first tranche of the programme (through to 2024-25) to refine its understanding of the costs and benefits, which will feed into the main investment decision for the redevelopment of the site, required in summer 2024, ahead of the main build phase for Science Capability for Animal Health Programme (SCAH). It will update the Committee via Treasury Minutes on progress. In the meantime, £198 million has been allocated over the current Spending Review 2021, to enable preparatory work to progress on site.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure
16 Nov 2022
HC 42
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.7 yrs
Report published
16 Nov 2022