UK Government Structure & Policy Flashcards

Which of the following best describes the role of the Permanent Secretary in a UK government department?

Answer: The most senior civil servant, accountable for departmental management and spending

The Permanent Secretary is the most senior official (civil servant, not politician) in a department. They are also the Accounting Officer, responsible for propriety and value for money.

What is the primary constitutional role of HM Treasury?

Answer: To manage public expenditure and the overall health of the UK economy

HM Treasury's primary role is managing public spending and the economy. HMRC handles tax administration and the FCA/PRA handle financial regulation.

Which parliamentary mechanism allows MPs to question ministers on the work of their departments?

Answer: Oral Questions (Question Time)

Departmental Oral Questions allow MPs to put questions directly to ministers about their department's work. PMQs is specific to the Prime Minister. Select committees scrutinise through inquiry, not direct questions.

The Civil Service Code sets out four core values. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

Answer: Loyalty

The four Civil Service values are Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality. Loyalty is not one of the four core values, though civil servants do serve the government of the day.

What does 'collective ministerial responsibility' mean in the UK government?

Answer: All Cabinet ministers publicly support government decisions once taken, regardless of private disagreement

Collective responsibility means the Cabinet presents a unified position publicly. Ministers who cannot support a decision are expected to resign.

Which body scrutinises the accounts of government departments and reports to Parliament on value for money?

Answer: The National Audit Office (NAO)

The NAO, headed by the Comptroller and Auditor General, audits government accounts and carries out value for money studies, reporting to Parliament.