Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Paragraph: 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 judgement that such decisions can only be made by the Centre of Government, in the Cabinet Office or Number 10. When the Committee has asked about these decisions—both in writing and in person—the Cabinet Office has passed the buck to the Department of Health and Social Care. This is both confusing and unacceptable because the Department of Health and Social Care is clearly not well placed to make decisions that include wider considerations beyond health.
Paragraph Reference:
144
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would include an independent inquiry at the appropriate time. On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry would be established on a statutory basis - with full formal powers - and that it will begin its work in spring 2022. Aside from the inquiry, the Government of course continues to learn lessons and apply them to its response to COVID. The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ publication applied all the experience of the pandemic to this strategy to cautiously lift restrictions, not least in the transparent use of data, analysis and modelling used to inform decision making. Our response has also been subject to extensive independent scrutiny, including seventeen reports by the independent National Audit Office and fifty parliamentary inquiries to date. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster agreed to appear before PACAC to discuss the review into COVID-status certification, and will answer the Committee’s outstanding questions answered during this appearance.