Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Rejected
Paragraph: 92
Require Government to publish evidence and data underpinning announced policy decisions.
Recommendation
We concur with Lord Maude’s recent recommendation that, when a policy decision is announced, the Government should publish the evidence and data underpinning that decision.
Government Response Summary
The Government rejects the recommendation to publish evidence and data underpinning policy decisions. They assert that departments determine data sharing based on considerations like public safety, commercial sensitivity, and international relations.
Paragraph Reference:
92
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government rejects the Committee’s recommendation. Decisions to share data and evidence in the development and communication of government policy lies with departments, where policy teams work with the Analytical Function and Government Communication Service to do so. In making these decisions, departments consider the need for transparency alongside factors such as public safety, commercial sensitivity, or international relations. The Government will continue to engage with the UK Statistics Authority to enable the effective and efficient provision of public services and improve people’s lives.