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
61match
#17 - 11th Report - Unlocking land for housing
We also explored how areas without established mayoral structures would be supported. Homes England told us that it would assess their capacity and readiness to deliver and could provide both funding and advisory support, including helping local authorities develop pipelines and masterplans.40 Homes England acknowledged that some authorities do not have the capacity to, for example, develop master...
Matched on
terms: capacity
Committee recommendation
61match
#3 - 11th Report - Unlocking land for housing
It will be important that the Department and Homes England have clear plans to adapt how the NHDF operates to the changes in local government structures. The shift from two-tier councils to unitary authorities, alongside the creation of Mayoral Strategic Authorities with devolved powers and funding from central government, is ongoing. 4 For the NHDF, the Department has...
Matched on
terms: grant
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
#168 - 1st Report - Cutting crime: better community sentences
The second way of commissioning services is through the âRegional Outcomes and Innovation Fundâ (ROIF), which is funding made available by HMPPS to regional probation directors to commission services locally. 308 Justin Russell described this as a âdevolved funding stream, where individual regional directors have an innovation fund which they give out as grants to smaller organisations that...
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
57match
#174 - 1st Report - High Streets: Life beyond retail?
Any future programmes created as part of the local growth funding reforms should have a highly simplified bidding process. The Government should clearly identify the maximum appropriate time and cost of bidding required from local authorities and design the processes accordingly. The Government could consider implementing a two-stage bidding process with a cursory first stage to ensure that...
Matched on
terms: design
Committee recommendation
57match
#170 - 1st Report - High Streets: Life beyond retail?
Ministers from the new Government agreed with the conclusions of Adam Hawksbee, the former Towns Tsar that competitive bidding processes may not be useful for “places that have the lowest level of capacity or the lowest level of leadership, because they will always be least able to put together bids”. 341 The Government told us that it, in...
Matched on
terms: capacity
Committee recommendation
57match
#165 - 1st Report - High Streets: Life beyond retail?
Local authority witnesses told the committee that having to bid for multiple pots of funding was time consuming and a strain on already limited resources. Councillor Brown stated: “It is unaffordable on a regular basis for many local authorities to continue constantly to be bidding, particularly if they are not likely to succeed.” 325 According to the LGA,...
Matched on
terms: grant
Committee recommendation
57match
#148 - 1st Report - High Streets: Life beyond retail?
We heard that the multiple funding programmes were uncoordinated and had overlapping objectives: “Each [programme] is a well-meant bit of public investments … but our [the new Government’s] analysis is that it is less than the sum of its parts.” 292 This was making it confusing for local authorities and difficult for them to plan their applications to...
Matched on
terms: design
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
53match
#171 - 1st Report - Cutting crime: better community sentences
We heard, however, that âthere is a mismatch between referrals and what is being commissionedâ. 314 Justin Russell told us that HMPPS âunderestimated the potential demand for things like womenâs services and accommodationâ whereas âthere have not been enough referrals for well-being servicesâ. Carrie Peters, whose company is commissioned to deliver all types of services except womenâs services...
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
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
Committee recommendation
49match
#154 - 1st Report - High Streets: Life beyond retail?
The range of different Government programmes which provide funding to local authorities, with similar but slightly different purposes, is confusing and indicates a historic lack of policy clarity.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#149 - 1st Report - High Streets: Life beyond retail?
Beyond the sheer number of programmes, many local authorities said they needed to continue to bid for multiple funding pots because the application deadlines for one funding scheme closed before they had heard the outcome of an earlier one. For example, the deadline for submitting bids for Levelling Up Fund Round 1 was before the local authorities knew...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
49match
#15 - 11th Report - Unlocking land for housing
We questioned Homes England on how it is adapting its delivery approach to the changes in local government structures. It acknowledged that local government reorganisation is absorbing a large amount of energy and attention.35 In response, Homes England told us it has introduced a new target operating model to allow it to work directly with local authorities. It...
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
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 complained DBEIS delayed changing her Green Homes Grant Scheme vouchers and wrongly rejected her changes due to a perceived late application, causing her to miss out on financial support.
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
The coroner suggests reviewing regulations for mandatory provision of static line parachutes in certain aircraft. Concerns also include the need for mandatory spin recovery training for specific light aircraft types and ensuring pilots are proficient in recovering their specific aircraft from uncontrolled conditions.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Gustavo Da Cruz, Mohit Dupar, Inthushan Sriskantharasa, Gurushanth Srithavarajah, Kenugen Saththiyanathan, Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan and Nitharsan Ravi
The coroner noted gaps in formal governance for beach safety, raising concerns about reliance on a voluntary structure. The report also describes the need to modernise safety regimes for diverse visitor groups and considers central government powers to restrict beach access.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Ryan Campbell
The absence of a full suite of cardiac diagnostic imaging equipment at Stepping Hill Hospital contributes to delays in diagnosis and necessitates switching treatment centres, which is inconsistent with providing a full cardiology service.
Matched on
classifier match
Inquiry recommendation
45match
FP81 - Recommendation 81
Requirements for research and development should be identified and collated and an appropriate scheme of research and development prepared by SPSA. Appropriate arrangements and funding (when available) should then be provided to enable research and development to take place on a UK basis and where appropriate through co-operation on an international basis.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#186 - 1st Report - Cutting crime: better community sentences
Delivery partners asked for flexibility to be built into the contracts, allowing them to adapt their services to the circumstances of the people referred to them. Carrie Peters, who argued that current contracts âcan stifle innovation and stop you from going the extra mileâ, told us that âflexibility needs to be built in and you need to be...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#172 - 1st Report - Cutting crime: better community sentences
We also heard that âthe feedback from the voluntary sector involved in those contracts is that the contracts have felt quite constraining and they have gone to the big national organisationsâ whereas âsmaller providers have felt squeezed outâ and that âthey were not able to competeâ. 318 Niki Scordi told us that the commissioning processes excluded smaller organisations...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#167 - 1st Report - Cutting crime: better community sentences
The first of these is through contracts for âCommissioned Rehabilitative Servicesâ (CRSs) which are centralised at national level and cover six different pathways (Womenâs Services; Personal Wellbeing Services; Finance, Benefits, and Debt; Dependency and Recovery; Education, Training, and Employment Services; and Accommodation Services). 305 Kim Thornden-Edwards told us that HMPPS have over 200 suppliers from the private or...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
45match
#73 - 2nd Report - Research and development tax relief, HMRC data requirements, promoters of tax avoidance and...
We recommend that HMRC consider what further incentives it could deploy to encourage greater participation in the whistleblower scheme. (Paragraph 302) Cross Cutting Issues
Matched on
classifier match