Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Deferred
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.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
144
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
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, including an independent inquiry at the appropriate time. The Prime Minister confirmed a public inquiry would be established on a statutory basis, beginning in spring 2022. The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ publication applied all the experience of the pandemic to this strategy, using transparent data, analysis and modelling to inform decision making. 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 during this appearance. The roadmap sets out four tests to determine whether it is safe to move to the next step, with assessments and associated data and modelling published. The Government ensures data is available and accessible to the public on key metrics, with the public Dashboard having clear links to data at lower local authority level. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the Chair on 24 March 2021, setting out the Government’s response regarding publishing thresholds for tiering decisions. The 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021' update set out detailed data and analysis underpinning the approach to easing lockdown, including economic and social impacts. SAGE papers are also routinely released once related policies are no longer in development, enabling scrutiny and challenge.
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