Office for Science Quality Assessment Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Establishes an Office for Science Quality Assessment within the National Audit Office to review scientific evidence underpinning government policy.
• Empowers the Comptroller and Auditor-General to assess research used as the basis of published policy by public departments.
• Aims to improve the reliability, transparency and accountability of policy decisions that rely on science.
• Applies to the evidence used across public departments and their published policies.
• Currently at the 2nd reading stage in the Lords, with further stages to follow before potential passage.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the Lords. It originated in the Lords, with the first reading having taken place on 26 February 2020; if it progresses, it would move to committee stage and then to the Commons.