Estimates Day debates 2020

Tuesday 7 July

On Tuesday 7 July, there will be debates on estimates relating to the following departments:

• The Department for Education, so far as it relates to closing the disadvantage gap and support for left behind children (on the application of Robert Halfon)
• HM Revenue and Customs, so far as it relates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and support for the self-employed through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (on the application of Mel Stride)
• The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (on the application of Darren Jones)

Thursday 9 July

On Thursday 9 July, the House will hear debates on estimates relating to:

• The Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, so far as they relate to Official Development Assistance (on the application of Sarah Champion, Tom Tugendhat, Darren Jones and Yvette Cooper)
• The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (on the application of Mr Clive Betts and Meg Hillier)

At approximately 5.00pm, the House will be asked to agree all outstanding estimates.

What is an Estimates Day debate?

The House of Commons sets aside three Estimates Days each year on which to consider the estimates of public spending by government departments. Following applications from Members, the Backbench Business Committee proposes the subjects to the Liaison Committee, which formally recommends them to the House. Usually the subject of a recent report by a departmental select committee is chosen, which in turn relates to a particular estimate.

Two estimates days take place in the summer to consider the Main Estimates, with one taking place in the spring for the Supplementary Estimates.

An estimate selected for debate can be amended, but only reductions to the estimate can be proposed. Amendments to increase spending are not allowed.

Once the estimates have been agreed, they're put into legislative form through a Supply and Appropriation Bill. Further information on the Main Estimates – the Government spending plans for 2020-21 – can be found in this Commons Library briefing.

Find out more

• Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.

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