Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
The role of Special Advisers in Number 10 has evolved to such a degree that...
Conclusion
The role of Special Advisers in Number 10 has evolved to such a degree that some have played a quasi-executive role. This is wrong. It undermines both ministerial accountability to Parliament and collective responsibility on the part of Cabinet. Ministers, including the Prime Minister, should remain fully accountable for the actions of the Special Advisers. It is the responsibility of Prime Ministers to ensure that their Special Advisers work within the proper parameters of their role and of senior officials as well as of other Cabinet members, to reinforce this. (Paragraph 57) The role and status of the Prime Minister’s Office 23
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Special Advisers are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (CRAGA 2010), and are employed to serve the objectives of the Prime Minister, the Government and the Minister(s) for whom they work. They are also governed by the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers (required by CRAGA 2010) and the Model Contract for Special Advisers. The Code clearly sets out the parameters of the Special Adviser role, including stating that Special Advisers must not: “authorise expenditure or exercise management of any part of the Civil Service, except in relation to another special adviser”. This is derived from the position set out in primary legislation, the CRAGA 2010. This states that a Special Adviser may not: “authorise the expenditure of public funds; exercise any power in relation to the management of any part of the civil service of the State; or otherwise exercise any power conferred by or under this or any other Act or any power under Her Majesty’s prerogative”. Therefore, it is not possible for Special Advisers to have played an executive role as is suggested. However Special Advisers can, of course, work with the Ministerial team and with other civil servants to deliver Ministers’ priorities. Among other things, Special Advisers may undertake long term policy thinking and contribute to policy planning in the Department; write speeches and undertake related research, including adding party political content; and liaise with the Party, briefing representatives and parliamentarians on issues of Government policy. They are a critical part of the team supporting Ministers and can help Ministers on matters where the work of Government and the Party overlap. 4 The role and status of the Prime Minister’s Office: Government Response The Government therefore believes that the Code of Conduct provides clarity about what Special Advisers may and may not do. Ministers remain fully accountable for the actions of their Special Advisers as set out in the Code of Conduct: “The responsibility for the management and conduct of special advisers, including discipline, rests with the Minister who made the appointment”. It is the responsibility of all Ministers and the Prime Minister to ensure that Special Advisers adhere to this Code. The Government thanks the Committee for their report and looks forward to further engagement with the Committee and the important work it undertakes.