Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 34
34
The hospitality and entertainment sectors have not seen sufficient data to underpin decisions relating to...
Conclusion
The hospitality and entertainment sectors have not seen sufficient data to underpin decisions relating to their industry. The evidence the Committee received was inconclusive over whether restrictions on hospitality and entertainment sectors were sensible and indeed it is not the purpose of this report to come to a judgement on that. However, building trust with these sectors is absolutely essential and the level of transparency has not been sufficient. (Paragraph 191) 52 Government transparency and accountability during Covid 19: The data underpinning decisions
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update, published on 22 February, set out the detailed data and analysis that underpins the Government’s approach to easing lockdown.1 It included the impact on the economy and society including Gross Domestic Product and anxiety and depression levels. Each step includes an assessment of socio-economic analysis including the Gross Value Added of the sectors affected. A set of 4 reviews will assess the situation after Step 4 including on social distancing, travel, large events and Covid-status certification. They will include an assessment of the ongoing economic implications of restrictions. The Government published a wide range of economic and social data in the roadmap and in the data annex supporting the roadmap publication. This formed part of the wide evidence base that contributed to the decisions on the order of easing and the overall pace of the roadmap. In order to inform the pace and sequencing of the roadmap, the Government also took scientific advice from SAGE. SAGE papers are also routinely released once any related policies are no longer in development; these are made available to all on GOV.UK, enabling scrutiny and challenge by academics and members of the public. On 22 February, alongside the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update, 20 SAGE papers were released 1 HMG, COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 - Data Annex on GOV.UK with additional evidence underpinning the roadmap. All are available on the UK Parliament website: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2282992/ details.