Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Seventy-First Report - Resetting government programmes
Public Accounts Committee
HC 1233
Published 15 September 2023
Recommendations
4
Acknowledged
Require HM Treasury and IPA to share insights on programme reset timeframes and review processes
Recommendation
On too many occasions, programmes have suffered from resets being done too quickly. The time needed to undertake a successful reset will vary case-by-case, influenced by factors such as the programme complexity and breadth of the reset. Resets of government …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states it will continue to encourage departments to allow sufficient time for resets, also highlighting the existing IPA ‘response to red’ process. It does not commit to drawing together and sharing specific insights by June 2024.
HM Treasury
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Conclusions (3)
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Various factors, both internal and external to a programme, can contribute to the need for a reset.28 We heard how this can include the programme going off track, the need to improve confidence in supplier delivery, or to resolve technical problems and set a realistic schedule.29 Factors can result from …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observations, outlining existing IPA tools and processes for project planning and assurance. By June 2024, the IPA and HM Treasury will review and update relevant guidance and bring all existing guidance together for easier access.
11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The IPA suggested that its assurance work has become much more rigorous – it has republished the assurance workbooks it uses to undertake reviews; refreshed its pool of available independent reviewers; and started to provide them with training.33 For the 100 programmes it has the capacity to support, the IPA …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observations about the IPA's assurance work by noting that the IPA has recently updated its gate review and assurance mechanisms and is strengthening the ‘response to red’ process for timely interventions.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Although some resets could be avoided, the IPA suggested there may be occasions where multiple resets are necessary, particularly for long-term programmes.35 External factors, including financial pressures, political changes, technology developments or events 22 Q 11 23 Qq 115, 128–129 24 Q 117 25 Qq 11, 17, 97; C&AG’s Report, …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged that some resets could be avoided, and that external factors can lead to a reset.