Cost Reduction in Central Government: Summary of Progress

HC 1845, Eightieth Report of Session 2010-12 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Committee of Public Accounts

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £8.50

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The report 'Cost Reduction in Central Government: Summary of Progress (HC 1845)' examines recent progress made with cost reduction by central Government departments, and planning for the current spending review period from 2010 to 2015.

After the 2010 election, the incoming Government reduced departments' budgets for the 2010-11 financial year by a total of £6 billion. Departments successfully lived within these reduced budgets in 2010-11 and reduced spending within their control by 2.3% in real terms compared to 2009-10.

Most departments, however, now face a more significant challenge to reduce spending by a further 19% over the next four years, with the prospect of further savings being required thereafter.

The bulk of the spending reductions must be delivered by individual spending departments and their arm's length bodies. Departmental financial planning has not yet made it clear how these cost reductions will be achieved. Departments lack clear information on costs which, when coupled with the difficulty of linking inputs with outputs, raises the risk that future spending cuts may not maximise efficiency in delivery.

There is an essential role for the central departments to lead a more structured cost reduction programme across Government so that spending is reduced by improving value for money, and not by cutting services.

The Treasury and Cabinet Office need to set out exactly what they expect of departments in planning for, and reporting on, cost reductions. Accounting officers must be held accountable for the successes and failures of their departments not just to reduce spending in absolute terms, but to deliver more with less.

Extent	29 pages	ISBN	9780215043818
Size	A4	Price	£8.50
Format	Paperback	Published	27 Apr 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges