Evaluating Government Spending
Summary
Evaluation is a systematic assessment of the design, implementation and outcomes of an intervention. Central government guidance makes it clear that departments are expected to undertake comprehensive, robust and proportionate evaluations of their interventions. It is one of many types of evidence that can inform decision-making. Evaluation evidence can help governments understand which approaches work best and support accountability for decisions. Using evaluation evidence requires effective coordination between analysts, decision-makers and officials responsible for developing and implementing policy.
This report examines government’s progress in developing the provision and use of evaluation evidence across government. The primary focus for this report is on the role of HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and the Analysis Function in setting out requirements, incentives and oversight arrangements to support accounting officers in fulfilling their evaluation responsibilities.