Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Cross-Whitehall collaboration challenged by competing departmental ambitions and long-term skills gaps
Conclusion
The Department told us that it is essential that it builds strong partnerships and collaborative relationships with relevant departments across Whitehall, and that it works with No. 10 and the Cabinet Office to ensure that departments are aligned.48 However, other departments and organisations have their own issues and competing ambitions.49 The Department told us that a shortage of skills in, for example, the nuclear industry would take many years to address.50 39 C&AG’s Report, footnote 2 40 C&AG’s Report, para 3 41 Qq 30–31 42 Qq 2, 31, 104–106 43 Qq 26, 104 44 Q 26 45 Qq 27, 47–48 46 Q 106 47 DPS0031 48 Qq 2, 31 49 Q 106 50 Q 49 Decarbonising the power sector 13 2 Energy efficiency, consumer behaviour and the costs to consumers The impact of decarbonising the power sector on energy bill payers and taxpayers
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation has been implemented, detailing its existing robust governance and reporting processes, including ministerial and official level committees, to ensure collaboration and alignment across departments on decarbonising the power sector.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 4.2 Decarbonising the power sector by 2035, subject to security of supply, is a key aspect of reaching Net Zero and therefore the Power Sector Portfolio reports into Net Zero governance. The department has robust governance and reporting processes at ministerial and official level for both strategy and delivery, attended by representatives from all relevant government departments. These provide opportunities to collaborate and prioritise activities in pursuit of decarbonising the power sector. 4.3 The department’s governance structures feed into the ministerial led, Domestic and Economic Affairs (Energy, Climate & Net Zero) and the cabinet sub-committee. These fora are supported at senior official level by a monthly Climate Change Integrated Review and Implementation Group, chaired by a Director General. In addition to formal governance processes, the department’s officials work with counterparts across government to coordinate action, working particularly closely with Cabinet Office and HM Treasury to ensure that net zero is prioritised in government policy and decision-making and aligns with other priorities.