Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 67
We urge the Government to include this in the inquiry looking at the pandemic response...
Recommendation
We urge the Government to include this in the inquiry looking at the pandemic response and commit to set out a more consistent approach to publishing all data that inform decision making, including how those data have been utilised, in any future emergency.
Paragraph Reference:
67
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the importance of sharing COVID-19 data and set up a wealth of surveillance systems across Government to publicly report on the status of the pandemic, with this data collated and presented through the public COVID-19 Dashboard, in the Government’s COVID-19 response publications and at regular press conferences during the height of the pandemic. All Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) papers and minutes are published by the Government Office for Science; these detail how a variety of different factors such as cases and hospitalisations were considered as part of the data-led approach to informing decisions on restrictions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been working closely with the Office for Statistics Regulation to ensure the accessibility and transparency of their statistical outputs throughout the pandemic. This includes voluntarily applying the Code of Practice for Statistics to statistical products developed during the pandemic, to ensure they are trustworthy, of good quality, are valuable for informing decisions and equally available to all. The independent UK COVID-19 Inquiry plans to examine the availability and use of data and evidence for public health decision-making during the pandemic and identify lessons learned from the response for future emergencies as part of its review.