Mark Whitehead 13 December 2017

Government failing to act on public inquiries despite £639m bill finds report

The Government has spent huge amounts of money on public inquiries in recent years but usually fail to follow them up, according to new research.

The Institute for Government says 68 public inquiries have taken place since 1990 at a cost of £639m, but only six have been fully reviewed by MPs to see what happened as a result.

The institute's report 'How public inquiries can lead to change' says Parliament must hold government to account by requiring it to provide yearly progress updates to select committees.

It says there are eight inquiries currently taking place covering issues ranging from the Grenfell Tower disaster to Child Sexual Abuse to Contaminated Blood.

The institute says public inquiries have delivered valuable changes from effective gun control after the Dunblane massacre to the creation of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch after the Ladbroke Grove and Southall rail crashes.

But it says there are no formal checks or procedures to make sure they lead to meaningful change.

The report's author Emma Norris said: 'The implementation of findings is patchy and there is no proper procedure for holding government to account for change.

'Government needs to systematically provide a full and detailed response to inquiry findings and select committees need to make the follow-up to inquiry recommendations a core part of their work.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Career and Skills Progression Advisor

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum
Career and Skills Progression AdvisorFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trainee Sheltered Housing Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510- £36,969 per annum
The London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who work together in a ground-breaking shared staffing structure across both boroughs. Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Team Manager

Oxfordshire County Council
£50,269 - £53,460
About Us Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate, we’re committed to del Abingdon
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Finance Business Partner (Qualified)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Provide expert financial strategy and insight to shape our services and build a fairer boroughProvide expert financial strategy and insight to shape o England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner