How can Government ensure public inquiries’ recommendations are kept on track? MPs examine
Next Tuesday, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) will hold the first session of its inquiry into the process of deciding to launch Public Inquiries and how their findings are implemented.
MPs will hear from INQUEST, a charity providing advice on state related deaths. In its written evidence, the charity warns that the “slow pace of change following public inquiries, stemming from a lack of central oversight of recommendations, is a serious concern” and suggests establishing an independent body to oversee recommendation implementation. MPs will likely ask about the practicalities of this proposal.
The Committee will also question Professor Andrew Williams from University of Warwick, who is the head of the ‘Reimagining Public Inquiry’ project and has been researching public inquiries for 15 years.
MPs will cover questions such as how the Government should respond when there are calls for a Public Inquiry and the ways in which the implementation of recommendations from Public Inquiries, such as the Infected Blood Inquiry, are scrutinised.