Public Funding Focus Groups 2022-07-14
2022-07-14
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about how public funds are allocated to conduct focus groups, particularly in relation to their effectiveness and potential misuse.
What assessment has been made of the value for money of using public funds on focus groups?
Listening to citizens through focus groups has proven more useful than anticipated, especially during the covid-19 pandemic where over 80% of people were aware of key safety behaviors and up to 82% trusted government information. Focus groups did not serve as party political propaganda but aimed at presenting Government policy effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment of value for money was not provided; the answer focused on the general utility without concrete figures or evaluations.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent complained about attending a focus group organised by the former Chancellor and feeling misled, raising concerns about potential misuse of public funds for political propaganda.
Given that a voter felt duped at a focus group run by the former Chancellor, how many Government Departments are now using taxpayers' money for such activities? Is this not wasteful?
It would be incorrect to spend public funds on party political processes. Focus groups are used for policy presentation, not propaganda. If there is evidence of malpractice, it should be brought forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The prevalence and misuse of taxpayer-funded focus groups were not addressed; instead, the answer focused on general principles without specifics.
Response accuracy