Public Spending Value for Money 2022-02-01
2022-02-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about fraud and misuse of funds during the pandemic crisis.
What recent steps has he taken to help ensure value for money in public spending?
Commenting specifically on fraud relating to Government economic support schemes during the pandemic. Anger and frustration shared towards those exploiting schemes for personal gain. Emphasis placed on speed when introducing schemes but commitment to robustly pursue any illegal activities. Recovery efforts established through a £100 million taskforce with over 1,000 employees aimed at recovering losses from fraudulent or incorrect payments expected to amount between £800-1 billion over two years.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps taken by the minister but acknowledged ongoing efforts and frustration towards fraud.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
People in Blackburn concerned about cost of living, tax rises, and misuse of taxpayers' money.
Welcomes the Minister's response but raises concerns about the Government's management of public funds during the cost-of-living crisis. Highlights tax rises affecting workers and businesses while billions wasted on contracts, fraud, outsourcing; demands accountability for such mismanagement.
Acknowledges the hon. Lady's question and agreement on pursuing fraud whenever it occurs. Emphasizes establishment of a £100 million taskforce with over 1,000 employees designed to recover fraudulent or incorrect payments; HMRC has already recovered and prevented £743 million-worth of loss; expects recovery of £800-1 billion over two years.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressed the need to pursue fraud but did not directly address tax rise or acceptance of accountability for misuse of public funds.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Context of rapid roll-out of bounce back loans and furlough scheme during the pandemic to protect jobs.
Welcomes Chancellor's confirmation that no money is being written off but points out the necessity of fast, smart decisions to save thousands of jobs; reminds of context where businesses needed support due to constraints imposed by health crisis.
Agrees with the right hon. Friend's point on remembering the economic situation as a result of public health measures; notes that the shadow Chancellor had written to the Chancellor at the time, describing the loan scheme application process as cumbersome and calling for easier access.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressed context but did not provide specific steps or commitments beyond acknowledging constraints and previous communications.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Comparison of handling of fraud by Government versus private sector; reference to loss of £4 billion due to fraud.
Questions what would happen to an employee in the private sector losing over £4 billion and ignoring warnings; asks if such a person would be promoted or sacked?
Running Government of the UK with response at speed to public health emergency; provision of £400 billion support prevented worst-case scenario including mass unemployment and company closures. Balance struck between providing support and implementing protections for taxpayer interest; going after anyone who defrauded Exchequer.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressed context but did not directly address the comparison to private sector or potential consequences for mismanagement.
Response accuracy