Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the letter from the Prime Minister to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards on 21 December 2021, what specific proposals did officials in his Department put to the Independent Adviser in January for his consideration.

As set out in the Prime Minister’s letter of 21 December 2021, work has been underway to make sure that the Independent Adviser and his office receive the highest standards of support and attention - whether by way of Instruction to Ministers, Ministerial Code or clearer legal instrument. That work continues, and the Government will provide an update in due course.

Additional dedicated support for the Independent Adviser’s office has been allocated through the annual Cabinet Office business planning process. This support includes the provision of a dedicated team of civil service staff who will provide day-to-day support under the direction of the Independent Adviser. Further information will be set out in the Independent Adviser’s annual report.