MPs debate the need for stronger subsidy data

The third reading of the Subsidy Control Bill yesterday saw a lively debate in the Commons, with MPs from all major parties united in calling for stronger data.

Amendments proposed by Conservative MPs John Penrose and Kevin Hollinrake called for:

• All subsidies over £500 to be included in published data - the current threshold for publication is a huge £500,000, so this would give us much more evidence on spending, and allow much better scrutiny

• The deadline for data publication to be cut from six months to one month, to allow more timely monitoring

These amendments were supported in the debate by MPs from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP front benches.

There were signs that the Government is taking the issue seriously. Minister Paul Scully told MPs that the Government will review its evidence again, and consider how it can respond to the same concerns if they appear at Lords stage.

At CFPD we’re really pleased to see this issue getting the attention it deserves - we’ve been campaigning on the issue since the spring. (Read our full briefing.)

Subsidies will be a huge part of delivering on the Government’s levelling up and net zero commitments - they’re currently around £8 billion of spending, and this is likely to increase. This is a simple, low-cost way for the Government to put data and evidence at the heart of its flagship policies.

The ball is now in the Government’s court to respond to these concerns about data and evidence, before the Bill returns to the Lords in the New Year.

Watch yesterday’s Commons debate here, or read it on TheyWorkForYou. And if you can help us reach Parliamentarians or officials interested in better data, as always, please get in touch.