Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure
Public Accounts Committee
HC 42
Published 16 November 2022
Recommendations
6
Acknowledged
There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability...
Recommendation
There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability and capacity to manage the Programme effectively. The Weybridge site is nationally important in the UK’s defence against animal diseases. The Department confirmed that the …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees and is reviewing capacity and capability requirements for the programme, using all available levers to secure expert resources including specialist allowances and via its supply chain.
HM Treasury
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Conclusions (3)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (the Department), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the United Kingdom.1
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and will conduct an assessment with an update on how animal diseases are reflected, and will also describe the advice received from the SAGE sub-group.
26
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Department said that its Programme Business Case clearly sets out the trade and economic benefits of increasing the UK’s resilience to animal diseases. However, it highlighted that quantifying and putting values to these benefits is challenging as the relationship between investing in science facilities and the benefit this generates …
Government Response Summary
The department will continue work across the first tranche of the programme to refine its understanding of the costs and benefits, which will feed into the main investment decision for the redevelopment of the site, required in summer 2024.
36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Department told us that it is concerned about the health and capacity of the market and sees a lack of supplier appetite to bid for the main construction contracts as a significant risk.65 It said that it has done some market engagement work including issuing an information notice to …
Government Response Summary
The department will update the Committee in six months via Treasury Minute, by May 2023, the programme will have options around Science Hub form of contract and competition.