European Union

Department for International Development written question – answered at on 20 February 2015.

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Photo of Baroness Prashar Baroness Prashar Chair, EU Sub Committee F - Home Affairs, Health and Education

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Department for International Development and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.

Photo of Baroness Northover Baroness Northover Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip), The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development

The Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with the EU that has ever been undertaken. The review involved a large number of departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports and was based on evidence and views received through a widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Throughout the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions and held over 250 events, which were attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.

It was important that this unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with the appropriate time and care, however the Government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.

Costs

1) Staff costs

Work on the Review was allocated according to need using existing departmental staff. Providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.

2) Printing Costs

The Department for International Development paid £3,878 for printing and publication of the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Report.

3) Running engagement events

There were no additional costs for the running of engagement events beyond normal staff costs; there was no expenditure on hiring venues or meeting any expenses of participants.

4) Witness expenses

Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.

5) Publicity

There were no costs associated with the publicity of the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid report.

6) All other associated costs

There were no other associated costs.

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