Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Deferred
Public and private investment is critical for national resilience to extreme weather and climate.
Conclusion
Both public and private sector investment is critical in developing national resilience to extreme weather events and climate change. For example, many flood defence projects require funding from public and private sector sources in addition to government 6 Qq 1, 45 7 Qq 1, 2, 39, 43, 90, 124; C&AG’s Report, para 9 8 Qq 1, 2, 6, 9, 10, 43 9 Q 10 10 Q 34; C&AG’s Report, para 21 11 Prof Rowena Hill and Rich Pickford (GEX0008); Newcastle University (GEX0012); UK Corporate Leaders Group (GEX0013); National Fire Chiefs Council (GEX0016); Wildlife and Countryside Link (GEX0019) 12 Qq 29, 30, 31, 34; Correspondence from the Cabinet Office to the Public Accounts Committee, 28 February 2024 13 Q 35; C&AG’s Report, paras 1.18, 3.27 Government resilience: extreme weather 11 funding before they can go ahead.14 The Cabinet Office highlighted that there is plenty of evidence that it is often cheaper to invest in building resilience than it is to deal with the consequences of not investing. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announced a £10 million fund for analysis to underpin where money is best spent for resilience.15
Government Response Summary
The government is deferring action by referencing a national resilience review overseen by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, with a Treasury Minute to be published after the review concludes.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
In his oral statement to Parliament on 19th July 2024 responding to the COVID-19 Inquiry Module One report, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced that he would oversee a review of national resilience. A Treasury Minute will be published once this review has concluded. The Cabinet Office will write to the new Committee in the meantime.