Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
There is also a question over the status and governance of the OPSS, and whether...
Conclusion
There is also a question over the status and governance of the OPSS, and whether it could be more effective with its own independent duties and powers. It was originally set up as an office within the Department, rather than as a separate arms-length body or independent regulator, as the best means of getting started quickly given the amount of work it had to undertake immediately. The Department told us that setting the OPSS up as an office within government allowed it to make use of its existing people, structures and processes. The Department recognised that, over time, the OPSS’s governance structure and independence needs to be re-examined. However, it believes that it is currently functioning strongly within its current structures, and noted that Ministers are currently not minded to change its status at present.45 43 OPSS, UK Product Safety Review: Call for evidence, March 2021 44 Q 19 45 Q 1 Protecting consumers from unsafe products 15
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2022 6.2 OPSS will write to the Committee within six months of the PAC report to detail the progress made on its plan for the future of UK product safety regulation. 6.3 OPSS is currently creating a detailed regulatory strategy covering UK product safety and product standards and building on its existing regulatory experience to establish a proactive regulatory approach. This is due for publication in Spring 2022 and OPSS will update the Committee on the progress of this by 30 March 2022. 6.4 OPSS’ considerations include: the developments in data availability and accessibility; expanded intelligence sources; better engagement with consumers and industry; a greater understanding of vulnerable groups and how OPSS can best protect them; and how best to support local authorities and Trading Standards services. 6.5 OPSS is committed to being a transparent, accountable and impartial regulator and governance arrangements are subject to regular review. OPSS has built the capability to do that job well – recruited specialists, established core processes and carried out significant research into the nature of the regulatory challenge. It has also established access to independent expertise and advice, for example, through the newly established Scientific Advisory Committee on chemicals safety for non-food consumer products.