Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Government Transparency and Accountability

23 January 2020 · Cabinet Office

Proposed by Chloe Smith Con Norwich North

Standards & Ethics

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Government is publishing routine quarterly data on Ministerial meetings to enhance transparency
  • Departments are releasing gender pay gap reports, spend and prompt payment data, and senior official travel and expenses
  • Salary details of top earners and special adviser returns are also part of the transparency measures announced

Issue summary

The Government is publishing several transparency-related documents to enhance accountability and value for money.

Action requested

Departments are publishing routine quarterly data on Ministerial meetings, gender pay gap reports, spend and prompt payment data, senior official travel and expenses, salary details of top earners, and special adviser returns. These actions reflect the Government's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Key facts

  • Departments publish quarterly Ministerial data on external meetings, gifts, hospitality, and overseas travel.
  • Agenda and meeting notes from a July 2019 Coordination Committee between the Government and DUP are being made available.
  • Median gender pay gap across the Civil Service has narrowed to 11.1%.
  • Departments publish routine spend and prompt payment data.
  • Annual salary details for senior public officials earning £150,000 or above are published.
  • Decisions on outside appointments by former Civil Service members at SCS1 and SCS2 level and equivalents are reported quarterly.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy