23 March 2007
MPs have criticised the Department for Communities and Local Government for failing to explain clearly what it does and how it spends its money.
The Commons select committee charged with probing the DCLG this week said it showed a 'lack of commitment… towards the duty to explain its activities and achievements to Parliament and the public'. Its annual report was 'bluntly sub-standard' and explanations of spending decisions were confusing.
Select committee chair Phyllis Starkey said: 'Giving the public and MPs basic, accurate information about how it spends its huge budget should be among the DCLG's first duties.'
The select committee's report, published on March 19, noted that Communities and Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly had to order officials to answer MPs' questions fully. Questions tabled about the work of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which the DCLG succeeded, were left unanswered.
But the department was praised for tackling the bullying, discrimination and harassment of staff reported in the former ODPM.
PFmar2007
