Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted
Increased departmental capacity and local engagement improved later, more targeted grant schemes.
Conclusion
BEIS conducted a review of COVID-19 business grant delivery in early 2021 and then acted to increase capacity and capability within the department.43 There were improvements within the life of the COVID-19 business grants. Later stage grants were more targeted than the first grants while also being deliverable; DBT told us this change drew on closer engagement with local authorities about how things would work on the ground.44 Improvements in the guidance and required controls contributed to lower fraud and error rates in later schemes.45
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, having created a new Grant Delivery Directorate (GDD) within DBT to centralise and improve the design, development, and delivery of all new grant schemes, ensuring consistent protection of public money and fraud combat.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 4.2 DBT has created a new Grant Delivery Directorate (GDD) as part of the Corporate Services Group. The benefit of a centralised team is achievement of a best-in-class delivery service with economies of scale in terms of resourcing; providing long-term grant delivery capacity. 4.3 The GDD team will oversee the design, development and delivery of all new DBT Grant Schemes, delivering a consistent approach. The approach will protect public money and recover funds where necessary, monitor all awards and combat fraud; and ensure value for money grant delivery for all schemes. 4.4 The GDD continues to work closely with the Government Grant Management Function within Cabinet Office who will identify and make improvement recommendations. Lessons learned will be shared and case studies provided for wider discussion where appropriate. Throughout DBT will seek to remain compliant with GOVS15 Functional Standard for Grants and the Grants Functional Blueprint. 4.5 Opportunities to share best practice and experience with the wider grant community incorporating COVID-19 scheme lessons learned will be instigated and exhibited, including via the Cabinet Office Grant Champions Forum, and learning from anticipated Cabinet Office Emergency Situation Grants guidance implemented for future schemes. 4.6 DBT anticipates publication of the Ipsos C19 evaluation report later this autumn with wide dissemination to partners, stakeholders and other government departments.