Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Office of the Children's Commissioner about the case for cancelling the contract with Sue Berelowitz to lead an inquiry into child abuse in the family.

The Office of the Children's Commissioner (OCC) is independent of the Department for Education. The department advised the OCC that the estimated value and duration of the consultancy contract meant that it was subject to Cabinet Office efficiency controls. The OCC did not seek Cabinet Office approval, and the contract was therefore cancelled.

The redundancy payment for the Deputy Children’s Commissioner was subject to a value for money assessment and appropriate clearance, including by HM Treasury. The consultancy contract did not receive the correct clearance and the OCC subsequently cancelled the contract.