Neil O’Brien MP to discuss Common Frameworks with Lords committee

Tomorrow the House of Lords Common Frameworks Scrutiny Committee will question Neil O’Brien MP, the Minister for Levelling Up, The Union and Constitution at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.  

The session will provide the Committee with the opportunity to discuss a number of topics with the Minister, including the Common Frameworks Programme to date, quality control in the frameworks programme and the future operation of the Programme.  

Questions the Committee is likely to ask Mr O’Brien include: 

• What has the central Common Frameworks function done to date to ensure consistency, maintain quality between frameworks and spread best practice between departments? 
• How was the possible impact of divergence assessed in the Framework Analysis 2021 report for areas where frameworks are not being developed, and how often they will be reviewed? 
• How will you encourage ongoing stakeholder engagement on Common Frameworks across departments? 
• Why won’t the Government mirror the Welsh Government’s commitment to regularly update its legislature on agreed Common Frameworks? 
• Why have frameworks been inconsistent on whether to consult the Irish Government where it has a relevant role? How do you see the relationship with the EU and particularly the Irish Government given the importance of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to many frameworks? 
• To what extent is the UK Government acting for England or Great Britain in these frameworks and to what extent is it acting for the whole UK? What are you doing to prevent confusion about the different roles your Government plays? 

The session will take place virtually on Tuesday 11 January at 10:30 AM and can be followed on Parliament TV.