Member

I am happy to go further to provide noble Lords with assurance on this. I am willing to commit that, before the new adjudication and investigation functions commence, the Government will provide Parliament with a clear statement on implementation readiness, including staffing, systems, operational capability and arrangements for keeping resources under review. Resources will not be treated as a one-off issue. We will keep the commissioner’s capacity under review as the regime settles, caseloads become clearer and evidence emerges on the use of adjudication, investigation and enforcement powers. The commissioner’s annual report will continue to provide transparency on activities, performance, staffing, funding and audited accounts. In addition, the Government are prepared to provide further assurance to Parliament on implementation before the relevant new functions are brought into force.