Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 87
It has been made clear to us that policy decisions throughout the coronavirus pandemic have...
Recommendation
It has been made clear to us that policy decisions throughout the coronavirus pandemic have not been based solely on medical and epidemiological science, but rather have been developed with a wide range of inputs that include scientific research and opinion. Nevertheless, as indicated by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, while the scientific analysis informing the Government’s interventions has enjoyed a great level of public exposure, the analysis and advice outside of SAGE (including economic and social considerations) have been “less visible”. It is disappointing that the Treasury had “not done a specific prediction or forecast of the restrictions” implemented, or those not pursued, but rather provided an “ongoing analysis” of economic factors, despite SAGE indicating that social and economic impacts should factor into such decisions. It is understandable that that these analyses are subject to significant uncertainty, however by analogy the epidemiological modelling published by SAGE, too, is uncertain and should not to be interpreted as a strict predictor of what will happen. The Government should, as a matter of urgency, publish the advice it has received on the potential indirect covid-19 impacts (e.g. economic, social and other health impacts) of the interventions it has undertaken, alongside the evidence base for that advice and should continue to commission such research.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states it will work to evolve SAGE guidance on transparency and points to existing publications and data sources that provide information on the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19, including metrics used for policy decisions, and commits to future investment in data and analytics.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
87
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
The Government agrees that it is important that it considers a wide range of factors in all its decision-making in relation to the pandemic. This has been its approach throughout as it has sought to slow the virus, protect the NHS, save lives, and protect the livelihoods of those affected by the pandemic. The Government remains committed to publishing data that has informed its decision making, for example in making decisions about the tiers framework and allocations of local areas.8 Evidence on the most effective steps that can be taken to limit the transmission of the virus continues to be reviewed regularly, and guidance and policies are kept under constant review and in the light of new evidence. On 30 November 2020, the Government published an analysis of the health, economic and social effects of Covid-19 and the approach to tiering. The Government also published the supporting data and rationale to inform individual tiering allocations. In the coronavirus (Covid-19) section of the GOV.UK website the Government also publishes an extensive range of data that has been used to inform its decision making. This includes PHE analytical reports on health, including mental health and wellbeing. The Government has utilised a number of evidence sources regarding the economic impacts of the pandemic, including economic data published by the ONS, forecasts and projections prepared by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the Bank of England and others, academic literature and real-time information such as mobility data. The Government will continue to work closely with a range of stakeholders to inform and enhance its response to the pandemic. It continues to build the evidence base, including active consideration of research and evidence needs in response to increasing scientific understanding.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗