Member

These amendments should be seen in the context of a wider debate, one that has run throughout our consideration of this Bill—the architecture of accountability. We support the Government’s intention to take firm action against public sector fraud, but where new powers and new structures are being created, it is vital that they are underpinned by clear lines of authority, responsibility and parliamentary scrutiny. That is why we bring forward these amendments. They do not seek to bind the Government’s hands but to invite greater transparency about how this new authority will be governed and how its leadership will be appointed. We believe that this is not only a legitimate question but a necessary one if this body is to command confidence and deliver on the very serious mandate it is being given.