Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 59
The six-monthly Parliamentary reviews offer an opportunity for the House to debate the relevant temporary...
Recommendation
The six-monthly Parliamentary reviews offer an opportunity for the House to debate the relevant temporary provisions within the Coronavirus Act 2020 but they do not allow the House to individually vote on whether specific provisions should continue or be repealed. The six-month reviews, therefore, while important and helpful, should be supported by more regular thematic debates. An example of such a debate could be on social care easements within the Act. The Government should schedule thematic debates on provisions within the Coronavirus Act to provide the House with an opportunity to consider specific provision in greater detail. The motion for debate should be a substantive motion. While this motion would not be legally binding, it would allow for amendments and for the House to express a clear view.
Paragraph Reference:
59
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Coronavirus Act commanded widespread support at the time of its passing and during the six-monthly debate, as an important source of support for our citizens and for the services they rely on, during this grave and challenging national emergency. The current system of scrutiny, as set out in part 2 of the Act, was designed to meet the needs of Parliament and the public. Significant time has been allowed for debates in both Houses on a variety of Coronavirus topics such as mental health provisions, the effects of the pandemic on business and the effect of the pandemic on the high street. Some of these have stemmed from the consideration of specific legislation and some from more general concerns. In addition, scrutiny at departmental question time, when Ministers give oral statements and by select committees all ensure that these issues are given a thorough and public airing. Since the beginning of March, in the Commons and the Lords, there have been (relating to Covid-19): 20 oral statements; 7 General Debates on Covid-19; 2 Lords debates; 60 SI debates (35 Commons, 25 Lords); 21 Lords Oral questions; 17 Lords topical questions; 6 Commons oral question sessions; 6 Westminster Hall debates. The Government has also held dozens of regular cross-party briefing calls to keep Parliamentarians updated on the latest Covid-19 data and measures throughout the pandemic.