Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
Outline urgent plans for UKHSA's high containment laboratories including costs and timeline.
Recommendation
There is little to show for the £400 million spent so far on the development of Harlow Health Security Campus, with no decision yet on the future of the site. This is an example of a poorly overseen project to replace the UK’s critical public health infrastructure. UKHSA’s high containment laboratories are central to protecting the population against potentially highly infectious diseases. The current facilities at Porton Down and Colindale are nearing the end of their life. The programme to build new facilities at Harlow has been underway for over a decade, and the cost of the current plan has risen from the initial estimate of £530 million to an eye–watering projected £3.2 billion. UKHSA has developed an 5 alternative proposal involving modernising the existing facilities at Porton Down and Colindale. The decision between these two options is complex. The final decision is currently being made by Ministers and is expected in the second part of the spending review. But this is still some 3 years after the programme was suspended. As well as having cost implications, these delays could risk leaving the nation without adequate protection against emerging new diseases. UKHSA estimates its current facilities could continue to operate for 15 years, and in 2024 the NAO reported that the earliest date for having a fully operational new or upgraded site is 2036, 11 years from now. Time is running out for UKHSA to decide on the best course of action in order to avoid exposing the public to any unnecessary risk. recommendation a. In line with the recommendations this Committee made in May 2024, UKHSA should urgently outline how it will ensure that the UK continues to have the infrastructure it needs to protect public health, and confirm its plans for its high containment laboratories, including setting out full costs and timeline for completion. In light of spending review, and given UKHSA’s poor record of delivering new facilities, it should set out as soon as possible, exa
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, explaining that the department already possesses well-established governance structures to oversee investment decisions and delivery of major health infrastructure projects. These existing structures include cost and value-for-money tests and are subject to regular review.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented The department already has well established governance structures that oversee investment decisions for funding of major health infrastructure projects, which are linked to onward approvals, where needed, from HM Treasury and/or Cabinet Office. A specific test for any approval is on costs, both in terms of affordability for the duration of the project or programme being considered, and the value for money that the proposed project is intended to deliver. In addition, the Department has existing governance structures in place to oversee the delivery of those projects. All existing governance structures, including their Terms of Reference, are subject to regular review to ensure they remain fit for purpose, and to implement process improvements where necessary.