Departmental capacity for grant design
Initial lack of departmental capacity and insufficient local engagement in the design and delivery of grant schemes.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
94match
#2 - Twenty-Seventh Report - Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme
Despite clear warning signs, the Department proceeded with an unrealistic implementation timescale for the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme. The Department had twelve weeks to set up the Scheme from announcement to launch. It was confident this was possible based on previous schemes, and felt the pace was necessary due to the need to boost jobs at a...
Matched on
terms: capacity, design, grant
Committee recommendation
70match
#18 - Social housing providers lack capacity to deliver improvements due to supply chain issues
The steps the Government is taking to rebuild the sector’s financial capacity to invest in new and existing homes will help providers to meet new regulatory standards. However, we are concerned that supply chain constraints, workforce shortages and the limited uptake of technologies will mean that providers may not have the necessary capacity and capability to deliver the...
Matched on
terms: capacity
Committee recommendation
65match
#7 - Thirteenth Report: Whole of Government Response to COVID-19
The majority of business support measures have been one-size-fits-all, but some crucial sectors of the economy need more bespoke support. The government’s grants and loans schemes to support businesses through the pandemic have directed large sums of money to affected businesses, with the Department estimating that over one million businesses have benefited. For example, the main government-backed loans...
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
62match
#38 - Government resource capacity to deliver SPS agreement by 2027 deadline remains uncertain.
There is uncertainty regarding the Government’s resource capacity to deliver the extensive regulatory changes required to establish a common SPS area with the EU by the ambitious June 2027 deadline. This work is a substantial legislative and operational undertaking, which must be achieved while simultaneously fulfilling commitments under major policy 39 plans and strategies. Without clear prioritisation, resourcing...
Matched on
terms: capacity
NAO recommendation
61match
Government's general grant schemes
To simplify the grant landscape: (c) DLUHC, working with departments, should build upon its ongoing work to consolidate grants schemes for local government, and the Grants Management Function should work with departments to consolidate grant schemes across government where appropriate to deliver better outcomes.
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
57match
#21 - 1st Report – Employment support for disabled people: Connect to Work
The DWP should improve its forward planning by using a systems-based approach to minimise the risk of gaps in provision and maintain continuity of support for people who need employment assistance. This includes planning programme transitions in a way that ensures individuals are not left with limited or no support options during periods of change, even where schemes...
Matched on
terms: design
Committee recommendation
57match
#25 - 6th Report - The Access to Work scheme
We asked about the design of the scheme and why the Department had not defined the rules more tightly.43 The Department explained that the scheme has an element of prescription – the eligibility criteria and the five principles.44 At the same time, the scheme’s guidance needed to be fairly loose because a person’s impairment, their job role, and...
Matched on
terms: design
Committee recommendation
57match
#63 - 1st Report - Investing in the UK economy
The Government should advance the British Business Bank’s British Growth Partnership to create a UK scheme that match both the design and scale of the French Tibi system. (Recommendation, Paragraph 197)
Matched on
terms: design
Committee recommendation
57match
#21 - Third Report - Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report
International tourism to the UK had halved by April 2020 and has continued to decline. Visitor attractions, including museums and galleries, are being hit hard as a result. Not only are these organisations facing an end to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in October, they have also largely depleted their financial reserves and are looking at the prospect...
Matched on
terms: capacity
Committee recommendation
57match
#18 - Thirteenth Report: Whole of Government Response to COVID-19
The government has instituted a range of support measures for businesses to help them cope with the extensive economic disruption caused by COVID-19. These include payments to businesses for furloughed employees, government-backed loan schemes, cash grants and additional reliefs.45 The Department estimates that over one million businesses have benefited from the schemes. For instance, the loan schemes run...
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
57match
#25 - 3rd Report: Building more social housing
We caution the Government not to make Shared Ownership Right to Buy a condition of affordable housing grant funding, until our suggested reforms on receipts are implemented. When Right to Buy is implemented for all housing associations, like with the pilots, the Treasury should reimburse housing associations for the cost of discounts. This aligns with the recommendation we...
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
57match
#18 - Vital FGM grassroots organisations face limited funding due to complex and competitive application processes.
Grassroots organisations, often run by FGM survivors from the affected communities, perform vital work in supporting FGM survivors and combatting FGM. However, they receive limited funding, must compete against one another, and can lack the capacity or expertise necessary to secure funding in complex application processes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
Matched on
terms: capacity
Committee recommendation
53match
#67 - 1st Report - Investing in the UK economy
The Government should clearly map out the framework of support in place to help finance UK scale-ups, from UK Research and Innovation grants, government procurement support, state-backed venture investment and R&D tax credits. (Recommendation, Paragraph 203) 128
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
53match
#50 - 1st Report - Investing in the UK economy
UK Export Finance has more than three times more financial capacity than the British Business Bank. We recommend that HM Treasury justifies the rationale for this and explains whether a re-allocation of this financial capacity to the British Business Bank would be better for growth. (Recommendation, Paragraph 160)
Matched on
terms: capacity
Committee recommendation
53match
#38 - 1st Report - Investing in the UK economy
We repeat our recommendation that the Government should build a business support service that is fit for the long term, like the US Small Business Administration. It should combine these services with arrangements for transforming access to finance, export finance, public procurement, skills, export support services, and general business advice. It should study best practice internationally and present...
Matched on
terms: design
Committee recommendation
53match
#23 - Third Report - Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report
The capacity constraints that arise from the requirements of social distancing make yield management and smoothing out demand more important than ever. The Eat Out to Help Out programme will help shift some demand to trough days. Doubtless attractions, transport providers and lodgings will re-examine their own promotional programmes to maximise yield in these circumstances, and where relevant,...
Matched on
terms: capacity
Inquiry recommendation
53match
RHI-19 - Business Case Approval Redesign
The processes within a Department for approving new expenditure and business cases including, where it forms part of that process, the role of Casework Committees, should be thoroughly re-designed to be more rigorous, testing and independent. Such processes should be less bureaucratic and pay greater attention to examining the unique features of the project proposed.
Matched on
terms: design
NAO recommendation
52match
UK Research and Innovation: providing support through grants
To help improve visibility of the government?s R&I needs and ensure they are communicated effectively, by December 2025, DSIT with UKRI should streamline the mechanisms through which the government communicates its priorities to UKRI. By the same date, they should map out government priorities and objectives whose delivery UKRI is expected to support.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
21-008-400 - North Northamptonshire Council
Summary: There was no fault in how the Council considered the complainant’s application for a discretionary COVID-19 business restart grant. The Council was at fault because it did not explore the complainant’s requests for reasonable adjustments, but this did not cause him an injustice. It is not the Council’s fault that the various COVID-19 support schemes can be...
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
22-000-812 - St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a grant funding scheme. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. There is there is not enough evidence of fault in the way the Council assessed the grant applications, and the...
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
52match
201403458 - Glasgow City Council
Mr C complained about the service he received from Business Gateway in relation to applications for grants for his new business. He said that he was encouraged to apply for grants but, when his applications were unsuccessful, staff did not respond reasonably to his requests for further information and assistance. When he complained about the service, he said...
Matched on
terms: grant
PFD report
49match
Gustavo Da Cruz, Mohit Dupar, Inthushan Sriskantharasa, Gurushanth Srithavarajah, Kenugen Saththiyanathan, Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan and Nitharsan Ravi
There is a lack of formal governance and risk management for beach safety. A national review of safety regimes and potential government powers to restrict beach access is needed.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
49match
Ryan Campbell
The hospital's lack of a full suite of cardiac diagnostic imaging equipment, specifically CT or MR angiograms, causes diagnostic delays and necessitates risky patient transfers.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#6 - 1st Report – Employment support for disabled people: Connect to Work
Support from DWP during the launch of Connect to Work was not consistent across areas. Differences in the quality and clarity of guidance, levels of engagement from Regional Engagement Leads, and the readiness of digital systems created challenges in the early stages of implementation. While some accountable bodies reported positive experiences, others faced uncertainty and administrative burden. DWP...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#4 - 1st Report – Employment support for disabled people: Connect to Work
The early implementation of Connect to Work presented notable challenges as delivery arrangements were established. Some local authorities reported that extensive administrative requirements at the outset slowed progress and complicated early delivery. While the programme’s model appropriately requires robust assurance mechanisms, these could have been applied more efficiently. We welcome DWP’s acknowledgement of these early shortcomings and expect...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#20 - Thirteenth Report: Whole of Government Response to COVID-19
We asked the Department whether it would adopt a more bespoke, sector-based approach to supporting businesses, given some sectors and industries have said they are not receiving the support they need. The Department told us that in cases of very large companies of national strategic significance, it would discuss those with the Treasury. However, it said that it...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#19 - Thirteenth Report: Whole of Government Response to COVID-19
The largest business support measures, such as the furlough scheme and loans schemes have been broad-based: for example, the Job Retention Scheme is open to all employers across the UK and the Bounce Back loans are available to all businesses.48 The Department said that this was intentional as by creating a broad suite of schemes, government avoided having...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#20 - Provide sustainable and accessible funding to small grassroots FGM prevention organisations.
The Government and local authorities should actively engage with and provide sustainable funding to small and grassroots organisations working on FGM to ensure they are able to carry out their work. The Government should ensure that applications for funding are accessible and inclusive for organisations that lack the resources to navigate complex tendering processes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61)
Matched on
classifier match
NAO recommendation
48match
Reforming adult social care in England
As it turns its attention to charging reform alongside system reform, DHSC should ensure it has the resources it will require within the Department, in terms of both capacity and capability to deliver the next stage of reform
Matched on
terms: capacity
Inquiry recommendation
48match
RHI-29 - Departmental Finance Functions
The finance function within a Department should exert the necessary authority and capability to fulfil the requirements of 'Managing Public Money Northern Ireland', namely to retain a firm grasp of the organisation's financial position and performance. The Inquiry recommends that the Department of Finance take action to review and, if necessary, strengthen the leadership of and support for...
Matched on
terms: departmental
Inquiry recommendation
48match
RHI-11 - Project Management Disciplines
Best practice project and risk management disciplines should be the default practice within the Northern Ireland Civil Service when developing novel and complex policies and managing their implementation. These disciplines can be widely applied and should not be confined only to major or capital projects. They can be tailored to the specific circumstances of an initiative and are...
Matched on
terms: design
NAO recommendation
48match
Regulation of private renting
e) Do more to identify and promote good practice among local authorities and support them to use it. To achieve this, the Department should work to understand the barriers local authorities face in regulating, and evaluate which tools are most effective in which circumstances. It should also ensure it has enough capacity to achieve this, as well as...
Matched on
terms: capacity
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
21-004-809 - Cheshire East Council
Summary: Although the complainant missed out on a COVID-19 business support grant it appears he was eligible for, this was not due to fault by the Council. We have therefore completed our investigation.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
21-003-574 - Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Summary: Mr X complained the Council wrongly refused his business a grant, causing financial difficulties. We find no fault in the Council’s decision making.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
21-008-940 - Harlow District Council
Summary: Mrs X complained the Council refused her businesses grants, did not address her complaint properly and reported inaccurately on finances. We did not investigate the Council’s reporting as there is a more appropriate body. We found fault in the Council’s communications with Mrs X that did not affect its decision making. We recommended the Council provide Mrs...
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
21-007-544 - Cannock Chase District Council
Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s handling of his request for an Additional Restrictions Grant, causing him financial loss, distress and wasted time. We found fault in the Council’s communications causing injustice. We recommended the Council apologise to Mr X, consider a late grant application and take action to improve its services.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
21-014-448 - Ipswich Borough Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council was wrong to refuse Mrs Y a business grant, causing her financial difficulties and distress. We found the Council at fault in its communications with Mrs Y.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
48match
25-003-069 - Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Summary: We found fault with the Council taking 18 months too long to complete the works for Ms X’s Disability Facilities Grant application. The Council agreed to apologise to Ms X and pay her £3,750 for the avoidable distress, difficulty and uncertainty it caused.
Matched on
terms: grant
PHSO casework decision
47match
P-001916 - Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Ms E complains DBEIS did not act quickly when she asked it to change her Green Homes Grant Scheme vouchers on 24 August 2021. She also complains DBEIS rejected her changes because it wrongly believed she had applied after the 31 August deadline.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
47match
21-010-238 - City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Summary: We have discontinued our investigation about the Council’s decision to refuse the complainant’s business rates relief under the expanded retail discount scheme, and a grant under the retail, hospitality and leisure scheme, because his complaint is late. There was no fault in the Council’s decision the business is not eligible for partial rates relief.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
47match
21-007-499 - Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: Mr X complained the Council wrongly refused COVID-19 business grants and gave him incorrect advice. The Council initially refused a Restart grant for an incorrect reason but this fault did not cause Mr X an injustice because it reconsidered the application when he challenged its original decision.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
47match
23-013-959 - Transport for London
Summary: Mr X complained about the way Transport for London (TfL) dealt with his application for a grant under its car scrappage scheme. We have not found fault by TfL in the way it decided to reject Mr X’s application. But we have found fault by TfL in failing to communicate properly with Mr X about his application,...
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
47match
24-018-264 - Nottinghamshire County Council
Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the installation of external insulation under a government grant scheme. This complaint which was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mrs X could not have complained to us sooner.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
47match
24-016-943 - Norwich City Council
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s decision in relation to her request for major adaptations to her home via a Disabled Facilities Grant. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council to warrant an investigation.
Matched on
terms: grant
LGO / SPSO decision
47match
25-004-960 - City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mrs X’s disagreement with the Council over adaptations to her home under the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating.
Matched on
terms: grant
PFD report
45match
Cameron Forster
Parachutes were not supplied for a light aircraft flight, and there is no mandatory spin recovery training specific to aircraft types, increasing risks during aerobatics.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#7 - 1st Report – Employment support for disabled people: Connect to Work
DWP should outline how it intends to strengthen its operational processes to support a smoother operation of Connect to Work, including ensuring continuity in case management, updating the tools used for reviewing documentation, and reducing delays caused by slow or inconsistent checks. It should also explain how it will make better use of digital solutions to enable faster...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#26 - Third Report - Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report
We commend the work done by cultural and fitness organisations, both before and during the Covid-19 crisis, to move access to content and facilities online. In the immediate future, DCMS should work with HM Treasury to develop a data voucher scheme, to give those with limited access to the internet due to financial constraints the ability to access...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#25 - Third Report - Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, vulnerable people across the country have suffered as a result of being excluded from digital services and communication. Yet initiatives to tackle the issue, such as the DevicesDotNow campaign, have been limited by a lack of both direct and charitable funding. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s commitment to tackling digital exclusion...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#22 - Third Report - Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report
Seasonal workers in the tourism industry are falling between the cracks in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We recommend that DCMS works with the tourism sector and HM Treasury to review the measures in place to support tourism businesses and seasonal workers to ensure they fully meet the needs of the sector. We repeat the recommendation first made...
Matched on
classifier match