Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
HM Treasury acknowledged that the process of undertaking impact assessments for some major COVID-19 schemes...
Conclusion
HM Treasury acknowledged that the process of undertaking impact assessments for some major COVID-19 schemes had been challenging and hampered by poor data and evidence.28 It used the example of the excess stockpiles of PPE to illustrate that big lessons need to be learned.29 This fits with a trend the Committee has previously picked up on, that less reliance is being placed on impact assessments, and their quality appears to be waning, despite being integral to understanding whether policies will deliver value for money. HM Treasury has also concluded that there needs to be clearer guidance around accounting officer assessments and on how to apply the principles and the tests in Managing public money. It is planning on identifying and sharing examples of good accounting officer assessments. It plans to update the guidance on how to undertake accounting officer assessments in an emergency, and when policy and delivery are undertaken across multiple departments, for example testing in schools, where the accounting officers of the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Education worked together. HM Treasury told us that it is also planning more training across finance functions on how to apply Managing public money, including for ministers.30 23 Q 18 24 Q 21 25 Q 40 26 Q 43 27 Q 44 28 Q 53 29 Q 54 30 Qq 40–42 COVID 19: Cost Tracker Update 13 Government-backed loans
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2021 4.2 The fundamental principles and the accountability framework set out in Managing Public Money have proved enduring through the pandemic. However, HM Treasury recognises that accounting officers would benefit from more detailed guidance in specific areas. This includes when circumstances merit departments assuming a greater level of risk appetite than they would in usual conditions, and clarifying respective roles where more than one department is involved in the design and delivery of a service. These areas will be covered in more detail in updated accounting officer assessment guidance, to be published by the end of the year. The department will write to the Committee when this updated guidance is available. 4.3 In addition, the department will continue to publicise these requirements through seminars and training events, including emphasising the importance of the accounting officer assessment process as part of the induction training delivered to all new accounting officers. These actions should ensure the requirements are well understood across central government.