Chapter 10 End-of-chapter questions

The Committee on Standards in Public Life has set out a number of values which are essential for good governance. Below are five such values and examples of behaviour by a government official, Minister A, which embody those values.
Match each example to the relevant value.

Minister A is tasked with deciding which large firm to award a large government contract to. Despite the fact that he has a good working relationship with one of the firms, he nonetheless selects a different firm to contract with because of the significant public interest it can provide.

Following the 'expenses scandal', in which many government officials were publicly embarrassed because of the excessive and sometimes inappropriate use of government funds, Minister A vows to comply with the good practice guidelines he expects his juniors to follow, which involves claiming only those expenses which are absolutely necessary.

In light of a number of anonymous complaints, Minister A refers himself to the appropriate standards committee.

Minister A realises that he has authorised a policy which has been extremely unpopular with the public. Minister A holds a press conference acknowledging his involvement in the creation of the policy and sets out his plans for the future.

Minister A is asked to consider whether to approve a controversial method of extracting oil from deep beneath the surface of the earth, in light of widespread concerns regarding its environmental impact. The minister consults with expert bodies and interested parties, holds open consultations, publishes all official advice he receives, and publishes his reasons for approving the project in full.

What does the aphorism 'sunlight is said to be the best form of disinfectant' mean and how does this relate to the notion of accountability?

Transparent processes allow for the most effective use of government time and resources. If government actors want to use these resources effectively, they should ensure that they are acting transparently.

Transparent processes allow for public and professional scrutiny of actions. If government actors must conduct their affairs publicly, they will be encouraged to conduct good governance, as the public will be watching.

Audits and inquiries ought to have legal effect, in order that abuses of power can come to light and those involves can face certain consequences.

The composition of the government in power should change regularly to ensure that important decisions are not driven by apathy and careerism.

Which of the following are examples of administrative accountability forums? Select all that apply.

The National Audit Office

Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman

The Administrative Court

The House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee

Governmental actors can be held to account through various mechanisms, only some of which are of legal character. Others, including political and administrative methods, can also be employed – and may be more effective - depending on the situation. Which of the following issues are better dealt with through recourse to legal, rather than political or administrative, measures? Select all that apply.

(a) A Minister habitually shows up to work intoxicated and has been accused of bullying a colleague.

(b) A Minister has used taxpayer money to finance their own extravagant purchases, including paintings, entertainment, and expensive meals.

(c) A Minister, feeling overwhelmed because of work, rejects a stack of visa applications without considering their merits.

(d) A Minister refuses a company's application for planning permission because they personally hold shares in a rival company.

(e) A Minister, frustrated by the actions of an environmental activist group, authorises their detention without charge for 96 hours.

(f) The relevant department of the civil service has only issued visas to 5% of applicants this year; the average rate in each of the previous years was 20-30%.

Having read and reflected upon the entirety of this chapter, which of the three systems of accountability – legal, political and administrative – emerges as the most effective?

Political accountability

Legal accountability

Administrative accountability

No one system is obviously the best – the most effective system will depend on the circumstances which arise and what sort of outcome is sought.

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