Public Spending Value for Money 2022-12-20
2022-12-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the government's efforts to ensure value for money in public spending.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure value for money in public spending?
Value for money is a central priority for the Government and at the heart of every decision we take. The Government recently launched the efficiency and savings review, which will help keep spending focused on priorities and manage inflation pressures by driving efficiency, tackling waste, and reprioritizing away from lower value programmes.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific timelines or details about how these measures are being implemented.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights a report stating that £8.7 billion of personal protective equipment was written off by the Department of Health and Social Care in 2020-21, questioning if this represents waste when families face financial difficulties.
In the 2020-21 annual report from the Department of Health and Social Care, £8.7 billion-worth of PPE was written off; does the Minister understand public anger over this waste during a time of hardship?
The figure refers to the write-down necessary after acquiring PPE in shortage; 97% was suitable for use. The government provided £37 billion support this year, acknowledging concern for vulnerable communities.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not directly address whether the government understands public anger over PPE waste.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner notes that £3 billion has been spent on agency staff in the civil service over three years, raising concerns about the cost of current strikes for fair pay.
How much is the ongoing dispute between government and public servants costing taxpayers? Does he agree it's a false economy not to give these dedicated workers a decent cost-of-living increase?
Strikes are regrettable. Ministers value civil servants' contributions but will look carefully at efficiencies across government as part of upcoming pay review round next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide a cost estimate or directly address the false economy argument.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner inquires about the government's commitment to improving productivity, specifically referencing an NHS efficiency report.
Are the Government just paying lip service to improved public service productivity? For example, why hasn't a requested NHS efficiency report been provided?
The Government are committed to driving productivity; I will look into providing the requested NHS efficiency report involving conversations with relevant Secretaries of State.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not confirm a timeline or direct action on productivity improvements.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner asks about the star chamber's meetings and progress on recovering £6.7 billion lost to covid fraud.
How often has the star chamber met? How much of the estimated £6.7 billion lost to covid fraud has been recovered?
A range of interventions have been instituted, including HMRC's fraud prevention measures. I will reflect on further actions as suggested by the right hon. Gentleman.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide specific details about star chamber meetings or recovery progress.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner questions the government's handling of Bulb energy company and its cost implications.
Why do the Government not show more respect for public money by pursuing every penny of these losses before raising taxes?
The Government agree on chasing down all waste. Continued funding is provided for Bulb's special administration regime while pursuing customer sale to Octopus.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide a timeline or specific plan for recovery efforts.
Response accuracy