Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
6
Recommendation
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of…
Acknowledged
There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability and capacity to manage the Programme effectively. The Weybridge site is nationally important in the UK’s defence against animal diseases. The Department confirmed that the Weybridge redevelopment programme is a high priority for staffing. However, …
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There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability and capacity to manage the Programme effectively. The Weybridge site is nationally important in the UK’s defence against animal diseases. The Department confirmed that the Weybridge redevelopment programme is a high priority for staffing. However, the National Audit Office highlighted the challenges the Department is having recruiting staff to some of the more specialist technical, engineering and programme delivery roles. At the same time, the Government has asked departments to draw up plans to reduce staff numbers. The Department is still drawing up its plans for how it might reduce staff, but is already limiting its recruitment. It is not yet clear how the Department is going to manage an overall reduction in staff numbers while needing to recruit experts to ensure the effective management of the Weybridge redevelopment programme. Recommendation: The Department needs to ensure that it has the right staff capability and capacity to deliver the Weybridge redevelopment programme. It should report back to us once it has finalised its wider plans for staff reductions setting out how it plans to ensure it has the staff it needs to deliver the Programme.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and is reviewing capacity and capability requirements for the programme, using all available levers to secure expert resources including specialist allowances and via its supply chain.
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HM Treasury
1
Conclusion
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of…
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (the Department), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom.1
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On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (the Department), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom.1
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and will conduct an assessment with an update on how animal diseases are reflected, and will also describe the advice received from the SAGE sub-group.
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HM Treasury
10
Conclusion
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of…
Acknowledged
The Chief Veterinary Officer and the APHA emphasised that the Weybridge site is also the centre for an important programme of research.19 There are currently seven research programmes at Weybridge. These programmes include the development of a Bovine Tuberculosis vaccine and a test to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals …
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The Chief Veterinary Officer and the APHA emphasised that the Weybridge site is also the centre for an important programme of research.19 There are currently seven research programmes at Weybridge. These programmes include the development of a Bovine Tuberculosis vaccine and a test to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals which is critical to the vaccine rollout. It also carries out research into antimicrobial resistance.20 The Chief Veterinary Office also explained how animal health laboratories are the first line in investigating the role animals are playing in the increasing number of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) we have seen in the last 10 years including Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the Zika virus.21
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the effective action and science provided by APHA Weybridge, stating it acts as a strong mitigation controlling and reducing threats to the public and environment, with threats regularly reviewed.
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HM Treasury
26
Conclusion
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of…
Acknowledged
The Department said that its Programme Business Case clearly sets out the trade and economic benefits of increasing the UK’s resilience to animal diseases. However, it highlighted that quantifying and putting values to these benefits is challenging as the relationship between investing in science facilities and the benefit this generates …
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The Department said that its Programme Business Case clearly sets out the trade and economic benefits of increasing the UK’s resilience to animal diseases. However, it highlighted that quantifying and putting values to these benefits is challenging as the relationship between investing in science facilities and the benefit this generates in not straightforward. As a result, the Department has taken a cautious approach to valuing the benefits of the redevelopment programme.49 Cost estimates
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Government response AI summary
The department will continue work across the first tranche of the programme to refine its understanding of the costs and benefits, which will feed into the main investment decision for the redevelopment of the site, required in summer 2024.
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HM Treasury
36
Conclusion
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of…
Acknowledged
The Department told us that it is concerned about the health and capacity of the market and sees a lack of supplier appetite to bid for the main construction contracts as a significant risk.65 It said that it has done some market engagement work including issuing an information notice to …
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The Department told us that it is concerned about the health and capacity of the market and sees a lack of supplier appetite to bid for the main construction contracts as a significant risk.65 It said that it has done some market engagement work including issuing an information notice to the market and had undertaken a survey of suppliers resulting in a database of potentially interested suppliers. It has also had consultancy support to understand the capacity of the market and the pipeline for these type of complex construction projects. The Department felt that it had done quite a lot of market engagement, but recognised there was more to do.66 The Department confirmed that it is still working on the commercial strategy for the Weybridge redevelopment programme, but aims to complete it shortly.67 63 Qq 42–43 64 Q 43 65 Q 75; C&AG’s Report, paragraph 3.18 66 Qq 74–75 67 Q 42 Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure 19
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Government response AI summary
The department will update the Committee in six months via Treasury Minute, by May 2023, the programme will have options around Science Hub form of contract and competition.
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HM Treasury