Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Public Spending: Value for Money

Tuesday 20 December 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Value for money is a central priority for the Government, focusing on efficiency and managing inflation pressures.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged public concern over the 8.7 billion PPE write-off, stating 97% was suitable for use.
  • The Government expressed regret over strikes and committed to looking at efficiencies as part of the upcoming pay review round.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Economy
Context

The questioner is concerned about the government's efforts to ensure value for money in public spending.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure value for money in public spending?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific timelines or details about how these measures are being implemented.

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Q2 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not directly address whether the government understands public anger over PPE waste.

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Q3 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide a cost estimate or directly address the false economy argument.

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Q4 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
NHS
Context

The questioner inquires about the government's commitment to improving productivity, specifically referencing an NHS efficiency report.

Question

Are the Government just paying lip service to improved public service productivity? For example, why hasn't a requested NHS efficiency report been provided?

Answer from John Glen

The Government are committed to driving productivity; I will look into providing the requested NHS efficiency report involving conversations with relevant Secretaries of State.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not confirm a timeline or direct action on productivity improvements.

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Q5 Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East
Taxation Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The questioner asks about the star chamber's meetings and progress on recovering £6.7 billion lost to covid fraud.

Question

How often has the star chamber met? How much of the estimated £6.7 billion lost to covid fraud has been recovered?

Answer from John Glen

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide specific details about star chamber meetings or recovery progress.

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Q6 Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East
Energy
Context

The questioner questions the government's handling of Bulb energy company and its cost implications.

Question

Why do the Government not show more respect for public money by pursuing every penny of these losses before raising taxes?

Answer from John Glen

The Government agree on chasing down all waste. Continued funding is provided for Bulb's special administration regime while pursuing customer sale to Octopus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide a timeline or specific plan for recovery efforts.

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