Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its associated agencies, broken down by (1) staff time, (2) printing costs, (3) running of engagement events, (4) witness expenses, (5) publicity of the reports, and (6) any and all other associated costs.

As you will be aware, the Balance of Competences Review concluded in December. It was the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s relationship with the EU ever undertaken. The Review involved a large number of Departments across Whitehall to produce the 32 reports. The Review was based on the evidence and views received through widespread consultation with interested parties from across society. Across the whole review, departments received close to 2,300 evidence submissions. Departments held over 250 events, attended by around 2,100 stakeholders.

It was important that what is an unprecedented examination of EU membership was done with appropriate time and care. But the government is also very conscious of the need to ensure value for money in everything that it does.

Work on the Review was allocated according to need to existing staff within the Department. Providing a full breakdown of staff time and costs would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport paid £3,321.15 for printing and publication of the Culture, Tourism and Sport report.

One engagement event for the Culture, Tourism and Sport report was held in Brussels and cost approximately £500. Other engagement events were held within the Department at no extra material cost.

Across the whole of the Balance of Competences Review witness expenses amounted to approximately £2,255.00.

There was no cost for the publicity of the Culture, Tourism and Sport report, which utilised existing free social media and internet channels. There were no other associated costs.