Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 January 2026
Correspondence from the Leader to Procedure Committee regarding Estimates Days Debates, dated 13 January 2026
From: Procedure Committee
Summary
Leader of the House Alan Campbell writes to the Procedure Committee confirming government support for making permanent the Estimates Days pilot scheme, which has run since 2018. The pilot improved connection between debates and departmental spending and boosted Member participation. Campbell undertakes to bring forward Standing Orders changes for House consideration.
Key findings
- Pilot scheme for Estimates Days allocation running since 2018 deemed successful by both government and committee
- Pilot improved relevance of debates to departmental spending and increased participation from MPs
- Government commits to permanence: Leader will bring forward Standing Orders changes for House approval
- Letter copied to Chairs of Liaison Committee and Backbench Business Committee for coordination
Tone
ProceduralTopics
parliamentary-procedurestanding-ordersgovernment-spending
Key actors
Sir Alan Campbell, Cat Smith, Dame Meg Hillier, Bob Blackman
Notable line
“| am happy to support the Committee's recommendation to move these arrangements onto a permanent footing and will bring forward …”
Key Quotes
“1 am pleased that the pilot running from 2018 has been considered a success, both in ensuring that these debates relate more closely to departmental spending and increased Member participation.”
“| am happy to support the Committee's recommendation to move these arrangements onto a permanent footing and will bring forward the recommended changes to the Standing Orders in due course for the consideration of the House.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗